This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/19/2012
A successful catcher is defined by his ability to handle the pitching staff, throw out would-be stealers, and keep errant throws and pitches in front of him. Roy Campanella possessed all these skills in addition to being one of the best hitting catchers of all-time. The man they called "Campy" was the complete package, leading National League catchers in putouts six times, and clubbing 242 home runs in his 10-year Major League career. From 1948-1957, Roy Campanella was securely anchored behind home plate for the Brooklyn Dodgers. He caught in five World Series, won the NL Most Valuable Player award in 1951, 1953 and 1955, and was the first black catcher in Major League Baseball history. This incredibly beautiful Roy Campanella Rookie card from the 1949 Bowman baseball series features a splendid color portrait image of the Brooklyn Dodger Hall of Famer. Every element of the card is simply flawless including the faintest hint of a rough cut on the edges validating the cards originality. Of the 757 examples graded by PSA to date, this is one of two Campy rookies to embody total perfection.