CGC Cards Grades First-of-its-kind 1953 Jackie Robinson Magazine Baseball Card

Collectors continue to submit some of the rarest vintage cards to CGC Cards™, trusting the graders’ world-class expertise and the superior display and protection provided by CGC Cards’ encapsulation methods. However, it is uncommon that the grading team receives a card they've never seen before. That was the case with a recent submission of a vintage Jackie Robinson magazine card. CGC Cards Vice President Andy Broome presents the astounding Robinson card and talks about its importance in a clip shared on CGC Cards' YouTube channel.

1953 Our Sports Magazine Sports Authority Card Jackie Robinson graded CGC 2.5 Click images to enlarge.

The seldom-seen baseball card is a 1953 Our Sports Magazine Sports Authority Card Jackie Robinson graded CGC 2.5. As Broome states in the video, this is the first time he's seen the card in almost 25 years of grading sports cards. Further, not only is this the first example that CGC Cards has graded, but also the only example graded by any card certification company to date. It is a truly stunning card, which has gone unseen for decades, until now. For collectors interested in owning the unique rarity, the Robinson magazine card is being offered in Hake's Premier Auction #239, ending November 14-15. Bidding opens on October 24.

As Broome explains, Our Sports Magazine was a short-lived publication that launched in 1953, with Robinson as its editor. Within its debut issue, the magazine included an advertisement for the Robinson card. The card was part of the subscription, with each subscriber receiving their own example, which included their name printed on the back.

While the card is new to the hobby, the image used of the Brooklyn Dodgers legend is not. It is the same one that was used for the famous 1953 Topps #1 Jackie Robinson card. The Topps version features a colorful artistic rendering of Robinson's portrait. Meanwhile, the magazine card utilizes the original black-and-white photo of the second baseman in its natural state.

CGC Cards developed a special holder to safely encapsulate the Jackie Robinson magazine card. At this time, the special holder will be used by CGC Cards when appropriate. It cannot be requested. An announcement will be made when new holders become available for general submissions.

Robinson is arguably one of, if not the most important figure to ever play Major League Baseball. As a second baseman for the Brooklyn Dodgers from 1947 to 1956, his impact on the game and American society is unmatched. He broke the color barrier, becoming the first Black player in the MLB when he signed to play for the Dodgers. The adversity he faced while integrating baseball cannot be understated, as he persevered and opened doors for future generations of Black players to make a living playing baseball professionally.

During his rookie MLB season, Robinson instantly became a standout player for Brooklyn. He earned the coveted honor of Rookie of the Year at the end of his first season and would go on to become a six-time All-Star, the 1949 NL MVP and a 1955 World Series champion. He is undeniably one of the greatest players in MLB history, and one of the most universally revered across the league. Each season on Jackie Robinson Day, every player from every team wears his famous No. 42 jersey number. Robinson's on-field accomplishments also earned him a place on the MLB All-Century Team, and he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962.

Related Links:

• Counterfeit Card Alert: 1949 Bowman #50 Jackie Robinson
• CSG Certifies Extremely Rare Miscut 1952 Topps Jackie Robinson and Mickey Mantle Card