The very first issue of Sports Illustrated features Milwaukee Brave's third baseman Eddie Mathews unleashing a powerful swing as thousands of fans watch with bated breath; a fitting precursor to the journalistic juggernaut that the magazine would soon grow into. Dated "August 16, 1954" and bearing the humble words "First Issue", the front cover and contents are rated NRMT, as are the special baseball card inserts. The back cover has some slight foxing along with a date stamp.