CSG-certified 1949 Satchel Paige Card Exceeds Expectations in Heritage Sale

A vintage card of legendary pitcher Satchel Paige that was certified by Certified Sports Guaranty® (CSG®) realized an impressive $6,300 at a recent auction, well above its pre-auction estimate. The 1949 Bowman #224 Satchel Paige graded CSG 5 sold for $6,300 in the Heritage Spring Sports Catalog Auction on May 11-13, 2023.

1949 Bowman #224 Satchel Paige graded CSG 5 Click image to enlarge.

The iconic 1949 Bowman #224 is one of the few cards produced during Paige's short-lived Major League Baseball career. It is a staple for any Paige card collection since it dates back to his first two years in the majors with the Cleveland Indians, which he joined in 1948. In fact, this classic is one of only three mainstream cards from his MLB career.

By the time Paige finally debuted in the MLB in 1948, he was already 42 years old. Previously, he played in the Negro Leagues, where he was a star pitcher for more than two decades before baseball became integrated after Jackie Robinson joined the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. The change allowed several elite Black players to sign with MLB clubs in the coming years, and finally showcase their talent on baseball's biggest stage.

To this day, Paige is the oldest player to debut in the MLB, and he still holds the record for the oldest active player to play in a game. Paige was 59 years old when he pitched his last MLB game for the Kansas City Athletics. Additionally, he became the first pitcher from the Negro Leagues to pitch in the World Series. In only a handful of MLB seasons played during his legendary baseball career, Paige became a World Series champion and a two-time MLB All-Star.

Other CSG-certified highlights in the Heritage sale included:

• a 1948 Leaf #79 Jackie Robinson graded CSG 3, which realized $7,800
• a 1951 Berk Ross #1-11 Bob Cousy graded CSG 5.5, which realized $588

Prices realized include buyer’s premium.