An innovation that swept the nation, Sports Illustrated hit the newsstands on August 16, 1954, portraying Eddie Mathews in action at Milwaukee’s County Stadium. That subject seemed appropriate, as the freshly re-located Braves were baseball’s darlings, pacing the big leagues in attendance in each of their first six seasons. The magazine enjoyed a similar status and an unprecedented popularity. While there are Volume #1, Issue #1 issues to be had, this one is on an echelon above the rest. Encapsulated and Graded Near Mint/Mint 9.8 by CGC. There are none graded higher! An absolute “must have” keepsake in both baseball and publication circles.