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Chick Hafey
(b. February 12, 1903 - d. July 2, 1973)
Chick Hafey's misfortune was to play before the advent of the batting helmet. Several beanings and a chronic sinus condition affected his vision, forcing him to wear glasses in an effort to correct the damage. Nevertheless, Chick hit over .300 in nine seasons and captured the NL title in 1931 with a .349 mark. He was known for his rifle arm and his line drives. Ill health and vision problems, however, forced the career .317 batter to retire.
 
Inducted in 1971
 
 
1934 Diamond Stars Chick Hafey #18 PSA 8 NM-MT
     
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Comments: The 1935 Diamond Stars Hafey is an incredible image. I was only nine years old when the doctor determined I needed glasses. I feel a strong connection to this card and the story of how Hafey was one of the first major leaguers to wear glasses in the field. The colors on strong examples of this card are incredible. I purchased my first example, a PSA 5, in January of 2003. I upgraded to a PSA 7 in January, 2005. I saw a beautiful MINT example on display at some National but the price was crazy. It made me want to find a different example where the color is eye-popping. So I'm looking for a nice PSA 8 with sharp contrast and bright colors.

UPDATE: On November 5th, 2015 I checked the Heritage Auctions website to review their latest offering.  As I reviewed each lot, I ended up tracking 17 different lots ending later that evening including an N28 Comiskey SGC 84, a N43 Ewing PSA 6, an E90-2 Wagner PSA 6, a 1914 Cracker Jack Plank PSA 7, and a 1952 Topps Eddie Mathews SGC 84.  All of these were potential upgrades for my collection, but not within the budget for this auction.  Two other cards caught my eye – a 1935 Diamond Stars Hafey PSA 8 and a 1950 Drakes Reese SGC 88.  I placed some bids in order to participate in the extended bidding frenzy.  The Hafey colors popped and the centering was a lot better than my PSA 7.  I've been looking for an upgrade since 2007. In the past eight years, several NM-MT have been made available with prices ranging from $737-$1343. With the centering and color, this one was a steal at $525.80! It reminds me of an old photograph of my grandfather:

   
Card Details Below:  
Year(s): 1934-1936
ACC Set Designation: R327
Set Name: Diamond Stars
Country: United States
Description:  
 
Example Diamond Stars Wrapper