The First 2 Issues of “Sports Illustrated,” Both Complete with Topps 1954 Baseball Cards.
Lot 345. The First 2 Issues of “Sports Illustrated,” Both Complete with Topps 1954 Baseball Cards. And as a bonus, a 1955 issue as well. Part of the Time Incorporated family of publications, “Sports Illustrated” made its debut on Aug. 16, 1954. Eddie Mathews is featured on the cover, and inside is a three-page foldout reproducing the fronts and backs of 27 Topps baseball cards. Among the players are Willie Mays, Ted Kluszewski, Jackie Robinson, Richie Ashburn, Harvey Kuenn, Duke Snider, Ted Williams, Larry Doby, Gil Hodges and Mathews. The magazine is ex. The foldout has light creases on the Mays, Mathews and Jablonski cards and otherwise is ex-m to nm. The magazine’s 144 pages include photo coverage of the Rocky Marciano vs. Ezzard Charles fight, an important track victory for Roger Bannister, poison ivy and a new golden age of sports. “SI’s” second weekly issue, for Aug. 23, 1954, has another three-panel foldout – with cards of 30 New York Yankees. Fifteen cards are by Topps, including Yogi Berra, Phil Rizzuto, Whitey Ford, Bill Skowron and Johnny Sain. Fifteen Yankees not in the Topps set are presented on black & white cards similar to the Topps issue, including Mickey Mantle, Gil McDougald, Allie Reynolds and Enos Slaughter. The magazine is vg+ with a mailing label on the front cover. The pages, including the cards, and the covers have light wrinkles throughout. The issue for Jan. 10, 1955, has a horse racing cover and articles on Jack Dempsey, the Santa Anita race track, and college football bowl games with coverage by active and retired coaches, including Herman Hickman, Bob Neyland and Bud Wilkinson. The magazine is vg-ex with a scuff at the left on the front cover. Winning Bid $240.
