(LOT 612)
Momentous 1947 Jackie Robinson Type I ACME Newspictures Photo - Taken April 11, 1947 – The Day After the Dodgers Officially Announced Robinson would be the Inaugural MLB African-American Player – Measures Approx. 7" x 8-1/2" – PSA Type 1 Encapsulation
This absolutely momentous April 11, 1947 image of Jackie Robinson donning his Montreal Royals uniform in the Brooklyn Dodgers Ebbets Field Clubhouse arguably stands as the most noteworthy Jackie Robinson photo on the planet! Indeed, while the most enthusiast collectors all retain their own personal opinions on desirability and potential value for the hobby's most prized artifacts, the recent $54,511 public sale of a similar press photo substantiates that no other Jackie Robinson image can possibly boast its unparalleled prestige. Its incredible popularity and staggering pricing point is attributed to the fact that it was this historic day that Jackie Robinson would trade his Royals uniform for the classic Brooklyn Dodgers "Blue & Gray" flannels. The previous day (April 10, 1947), in a Royals exhibition game against the Dodgers, Brooklyn's renowned General Manager Branch Rickey released this official statement to the press during the fifth inning: "The Brooklyn Dodgers today purchased the contract of Jackie Roosevelt Robinson from the Montreal Royals."

To the shocking surprise of both an entire baseball community and America, this iconic press release immediately revolutionized professional baseball forever. Indeed, the floodgates had now officially opened for previously suppressed African-American ballplayers to have a "fair shake" in their quest for playing Major League Baseball. With a seemingly infinite number of reporters now anxiously awaiting Jackie's arrival into the clubhouse for his revered April 11th debut as an official Brooklyn Dodger player, this world-class image would be taken by the captivated press, portraying the courageous infielder walking into the Dodgers clubhouse as an official MLB Brooklyn player. Shortly thereafter this legendary image was struck, Jackie would put on his exalted #42 Dodger uniform for the first time, playing first base that day and knocking in three runs in the Dodgers exhibition game victory against the Yankees.

Interestingly enough, from the first day he spoke of Robinson, Branch Rickey made it perfectly clear he was "seeking a black ballplayer with great talent and personal character" and that Jackie was his man. Both Robinson and Rickey exhibited an overwhelming level of courage to pursue this event that will surely "echo for eternity", for no one would argue that one of our National Pastime's most iconic moments was when the immortal Jackie Robinson broke the Major League's color barrier in April 1947. It is with no surprise that Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson's collectibles continue to skyrocket every day, especially in lieu of the historic "42" box office smash that significantly escalated an already lucrative Jackie Robinson collectibles market, with this grand offering leading the way.

The awe-inspiring 7" x 8-1/2" black & white image depicts the great Robinson donning his Montreal Royals uniform as he strolls into the Ebbets Field clubhouse for the inaugural time as an official Brooklyn Dodgers player. Our "hats off" to the press members who struck this breathtaking image for they not only captured an ultra-ecstatic Jackie exhibiting a wonderful candid smile, but the clubhouse wall's "DODGERS CLUBHOUDSE – KEEP OUT" verbiage that truly captures the story of this "once in a lifetime" event. The illustration portrays the finest possible crystal-clarity and impeccable contrast, and it is critical to note that the previous $54,511 sold image does not nearly exhibit the ultra-sparkling image quality of this prized offering. Brilliant to say the least, the few diminutive stray wrinkles particularly around the border areas do not negate the breathtaking aesthetics emanating from this museum worthy masterpiece that has stubbornly defied "Father Time" over the past 72 years.

While the caption was previously removed, the verso does include the critical ACME NEWSPICTURES credit as well as some negligible pencil notations. Of utmost significance, this historic photo truly captures the significance of that April 11, 1947 day when the legendary Jackie Robinson would be donning a Brooklyn Dodgers uniform for the remainder of his professional career. Yet, as most historians would attest to, Robinson's legacy extends far beyond baseball, for his unbridled bravery ultimately supported the justified notion that "all men are created equal", with his immortal stature serving as a profound testament for the unequivocal foundation America was soundly built upon!


MIN BID $4,000
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