(LOT 611)
Extremely Significant 1924 Rookie Era Lou Gehrig Photo - March 1924 Underwood & Underwood Type 1 Photo – Measures Approx. 6" x 8" – PSA Type 1 Encapsulation
The incomparable legacy of Henry Louis Gehrig can be traced back to his Columbia University playing days where Gehrig dominated as both a standout pitcher and slugging first baseman. Catching the attention of renowned New York Yankee scout Paul Krichell, on April 28, 1923 Gehrig hit one of the longest home runs ever seen at Columbia's South Field; a mammoth 450-foot blast that sailed completely out of the ball park! One of many Lou Gehrig wallops, it was that particular round tripper that "sealed the deal" for Krichell as the prominent scout signed Gehrig to a Yankee contract only two days later. While Gehrig would be called up to the majors before the end of the season, he would see limited time as a pinch hitter in both the 1923 and 1924 seasons, accumulating only 38 official at-bats in those two seasons.

It would be the 1925 season that the "Iron Horse" would enjoy his first breakout season, batting .295 and walloping 20 home runs in nearly 500 plate appearances. Now considered one of the game's fearsome sluggers, Gehrig would now embark on one of the most formidable careers realized by any hitter. Unfortunately, from a collecting perspective, there are few and far between artifacts representing Gehrig's early Yankee playing days; most likely due to his extremely limited playing time his first two seasons. His rookie card wasn't issued until 1925, and only a handful of early photos suffice as classic keepsakes to his Major League origin. One of those rare images just happens to be presented here, a remarkable 1924 Underwood & Underwood original photo depicting Gehrig's immortal batting swing.

Deemed a Type I original photo by PSA (Full Type I LOA included), the image was issued by the prestigious Underwood & Underwood photography company on March 14, 1924, taken at a New Orleans spring training facility. The outstanding central batting image portrays Gehrig's legendary swing as he connects on what is most likely another mighty blast; exhibiting fine contrast/resolution and remarkably retaining virtually all of its original print attributes. Some negligible corner wear and stray wrinkles do not impede the incredible aesthetics, and the verso includes the critical "Underwood & Underwood" stamp and detailed caption dated 3/14/24 (reading: "FORMER COLUMBIA STAR PLAYING WITH THE YANKEES…PAUL GEHRIG, second-string first baseman of the New York American league team, training at New Orleans with the World's Champions.

The Yankee "$50,000 beauty" is a former star of the Columbia University team. 3/14/24"). Any original collectible of Gehrig is widely sort after within the collecting community due to his unequivocal legacy, let alone one that stands as one of his earliest known mementos. Tragically, Gehrig's incredible career was cut short by the deadly "ALS" disease (now more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease) that took his life at the tender age of 37. Yet, with all of his "on the field" accomplishments including 493 round trippers, a .340 lifetime batting average, and nearly 2000 RBI's, he will always be best remembered for his 2,130 consecutive-game-streak, accounting for his sacred "Iron Horse" nickname.

Furthermore, his incomparable farewell "Luckiest Man on The Face of The Earth" speech at Yankee Stadium on July 4, 1939 will forever be our National Pastime's Gettysburg Address. He was the quiet hero, simply going about his business with a steadfast purpose that the mention of his hallowed name inspires a still tranquility amongst his vast following. It is for all of these reasons that this breathtaking ROOKIE ERA Type I photo stands as one of the finest testaments to Gehrig's unparalleled legacy, truly residing as one of the grandest "Iron Horse" images extant!

MIN BID $3,000
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