(LOT 625)
Possibly "Unique" 1907/'08 Detroit Tigers Team Photo w/a Rookie Era Ty Cobb – Louis Van Oeyen Type 1 Photo - Measures Approx. 3" x 6-1/2" - PSA Type 1 Encapsulation
This extremely rare c.1907/'08 Detroit Tigers Type 1 Louis van Oeyen photo unquestionably stands as one of the most imposing early Ty Cobb keepsakes on the planet! Possibly "unique", to the best of our knowledge, it suffices as the sole known example, taken by the iconic photographer Louis Van Oeyen at the early stages of Cobb's incredible career. The "Georgia Peach" is standing in the second row, third from the left, and dons his period-style Tigers uniform and cap. The two additional Hall of Famers in this world-class offering are Sam Crawford (likewise in the second row, standing to the far right) and legendary player/manager Hughie Jennings (kneeling on his right knee in the front row, second from the right), with both Crawford and Jennings wearing their classic Detroit baseball sweaters.

A total of 16 Tigers are included in this brilliant 3' x 6-1/2" illustration that emanates impeccable contrast and registration. The critical central image has eluded any obtrusive flaws with only some vertical creases/surface cracking situated near the upper right quadrant as well as some stray areas of diminutive soiling barely visible to the naked eye. The final exclamation point is the verso's ultra-significant "L. Van Oeyen" credit stamp, for as photo enthusiasts surely realize, along with Horner, Bain, Thompson and Conlon, Van Oeyen stands as one of the foremost early 20th century photographers. Of course, the most critical aspect of this museum worthy marvel is the inclusion of Tyrus Raymond Cobb, placing this as a "rookie era" Cobb memento. Cobb broke into the Major Leagues with the Detroit Tigers in 1905, playing in a mere 41 games while hitting a paltry .240. Quickly, Cobb bounced back in 1906 to bat an impressive .316, the first of an unfathomable 23 consecutive years of exceeding the exalted .300 benchmark.

Throughout his incomparable 24 seasons, he led the American League a record 12 years in batting average including an incredible 9 consecutive years from 1907 thru 1915. He also happened to exceed the exalted .400 mark three times, with all of the above totaling to an unfathomable and record setting .366 lifetime batting average. After his sterling 1906 season, he stroked 212 hits in 1907, his first full season in which he batted .350 and captured his inaugural batting championship. That 1907 season, the Tigers would claim the first of their three consecutive pennants, led by Cobb's unparalleled batting prowess that would terrorize American League hurlers for the next several decades. Cobb's inaugural baseball cards were likewise issued in 1907 and only a handful of photos depict the iconic "Georgia Peach" from the 1905-1907 era, substantiating why this c.1907 Detroit Tiger rarity truly resides as one of the most exalted Cobb photos from his early playing days!

MIN BID $1,000
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