Jackie Robinson’s 1948 Leaf rookie card celebrates his first two years in baseball. Most trading card companies traditionally manufactured cards in the middle of the year while the current baseball season (April-October) was still active. As a result, the back of most cards discusses the players’ accomplishments in the prior season.
Leaf manufactured this set after the 1948 season ended because the back of the card commends Robinson for breaking the color line in baseball and winning the Rookie of the Year award in 1947, but it also includes his final stats for the ‘48 season. Leaf might have printed them late since so much of the country’s industry was preoccupied with supporting the military’s effort in World War II during this decade.
1948 Leaf Baseball ranks alongside sets like 1952 Topps Baseball as one of the most respected in the industry. The color scheme and image of Robinson in this strong PSA 7 example look fit for a museum, resembling a high-end painting. Of the nearly 2,000 times that PSA has assessed this card, just 54 carry a higher grade.
Learn more about the icon's life, career, and cards in our Guide to Jackie Robinson Baseball Cards: https://www.fanaticscollect.com/definitive-guides/a-guide-to-jackie-robinsons-baseball-cards
The certification number on this card has been checked against the third-party grader's online database and is active as of 03/09/2026.