Lot # 624: Original Photograph Sandy Koufax Brooklyn Dodgers Koufax Signs 8x10

Category: Photos

Starting Bid: $500.00

Bids: 23 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
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Item was in Auction "Winter Classic 2019",
which ran from 12/19/2019 12:00 PM to
1/11/2020 7:00 PM




(LOT 624)
Original Photograph Sandy Koufax Brooklyn Dodgers Koufax Signs 8x10

"There are two times in my life the hair on my arms has stood up: The first time I saw the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and the second time, I saw Sandy Koufax throw a fastball." – Dodgers Scout Al Campanis

Such were the words of renowned Brooklyn Dodger's scout Al Campanis before he "locked-up" the fire-balling southpaw Sandy Koufax with a $6,000 contract and $14,000 signing bonus in 1954. Koufax's legacy can be traced back to his Brooklyn upbringing where he attended Lafayette High School and started receiving serious recognition from professional scouts as a 17-year old due to his blistering fastball that overmatched virtually every hitter he faced. Koufax moved on to the University of Cincinnati where in his only season he posted a 3-1 record, 2.81 E.R.A. and 51 strikeouts in only 32 innings. Unfortunately, the only stigma for this young southpaw was his inconsistent control, with Sandy walking 31 batters in those 31 innings. Regardless, Bill Zinser, another Dodgers scout, sent the front office an extremely positive report that was filed away and forgotten.

Fortunately for Brooklyn, Dodgers scout Al Campanis had never forgotten Koufax's incredible arm when he saw him throw at Lafayette High School, and managed to get him a tryout at Ebbets Field with Manager Walter Alston and scouting director Fresco Thompson likewise looking on. Campanis assumed a batting stance as Koufax threw his first pitch and the rest was history, with Campanis eloquently making his iconic aforementioned quote and signing the future Hall of Famer. This remarkable Koufax photo was actually taken during 1954, with the 18-year old phenom portraying a breathtaking candid smile as he dons his new Dodgers uniform after signing with the Brooklyn club. The captivating image reveals the finest possible contrast and crystal-clear clarity, and you can literally feel the excitement overflowing from this ultra-happy teenager.

Only a few border wrinkles/creases do not negate the spectacular eye appeal of the incredible central image, and the flipside includes the critical BROOKLYN NATIONAL LEAGUE credit stamp. As we all know, while Koufax would significantly struggle his first 6 years with his ability to throw strikes, he eventually turned it all around to become one of our National Pastime's greatest left-handed twirlers to ever toe a rubber. Thanks to the utmost patience of manager Walt Alston, from 1962 thru 1966, Koufax would win 111 games, strike out 1,444 batters (289 per season) and compile a microscopic 1.95 E.R.A., while tossing an incredible four no-hitters! He was so dominate during that period that fellow Cooperstown Inductee Willie Stargell was compelled to state: "Trying to hit sandy Koufax's fastball is like trying to eat soup with a fork! No truer words were ever spoken, with this remarkable offering arguably residing as the most noteworthy Koufax image extant, for it captures the immortal Hall of Famer at the moment he was about to embark on one of the most prolific "peak-value" pitching careers in baseball history!


MIN BID $500
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