1949 Bowman #50, Jackie Robinson⭐ MLB Pioneer
1948-49 Leaf #79, Jackie Robinson ⭐ MLB Pioneer
Both cards are part of Jackie Robinson’s rookie-card group as they are his earliest nationally distributed cards.
The 1948-49 Leaf card generally carries the moniker of true RC by many auction houses and collectors.
However, recent historical research has shown the the set once commonly referred to as “1948 Leaf,” was not broadly or consistently distributed until 1949. Much of the Leaf set appears to have been issued in multiple printings, with uneven regional circulation and interruptions caused by Leaf’s legal battle with Bowman.

As a result, many collectors now characterize the set as “1948–49 Leaf” rather than strictly “1948.”
Regardless, both cards are treated as essential Jackie Robinson rookie-era pieces.

I love a strategy/challenge at card shows. One that I committed to a couple years ago was getting high grade vintage of all timers. I love the look of the 55 & 56 Topps sets. I started with acquiring this PSA 4 56 Topps Hank Aaron in a trade for multiple miscellaneous cards at a small show in the Chicago burbs. Next I used that card at the 2023 National to get the 55 SGC 5 Jackie & later at the Chicago Sports Spectacular in early 2024 I used the Jackie to get this 56 Hank which was originally a SGC 7 that I crossed at the 2025 National to a PSA 7. Every show I goto from here forward I will be trying to use the PSA 7 Hank to move into a PSA 8. It’s a really fun chase!

A 1978 Landsman Playing cards flashback #WhatsOnYourDesk featuring Mick, Babe & Jack.

"Without ambition, one starts nothing. Without work, one finishes nothing." — Ralph Waldo Emerson

#BeTheGood

1954 Topps #10, Jackie Robinson 🏆 1949 N.L. MVP
1954 Topps #1 Ted Williams 🏆 1949 A.L. MVP
Jackie and Ted won the MVP Award in their respective leagues in 1949.
What a pair! 💥