(LOT 138)
c.1926 Tony Lazzeri "Rookie" PSA Type 1 Encapsulated Charles Conlon Photo – Measures Approx. 6-1/2" x 8-1/2"
The New York Yankees legendary Hall of Famer Tony Lazzeri was one of the four cogs of the famous 1927 Yankees "Murder's Row" wrecking crew (along with Ruth, Gehrig and Meusel), leading the Yankees to one of the greatest season's in baseball history. His batting prowess enabled him to bat in over 100 runs seven different seasons, and he was a member of 5 different New York Yankee championship teams. Before joining the Yankees for his 1926 rookie season, Lazzeri would enjoy arguably the greatest professional all-time season with the Pacific Coast League's Salt Lake City club in 1925; batting .355, blasting 60 homers and knocking in an unfathomable 222 runs which still stands as an all-time professional baseball record! Obviously ready for an MLB promotion, Lazzeri joined the Yankees for the 1926 season and teamed up with Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig to form baseball's greatest "dynamic trio".

The hard-hitting second-baseman would post a .275 batting average, club 18 round trippers and bat in 117 runs with "Poosh Em Up" Tony now here to stay. Unfortunately for his collecting fan base, there are only a scant number of artifacts available from his 1926 rookie campaign. One of those extremely scarce keepsakes just happens to be this awe-inspiring Charles Conlon c.1926 Lazzeri photo depicting the future Cooperstown Inductee loosening up on the sidelines before a game. Donning his classic Yankee pinstripes, Lazzeri has just tossed a baseball, with the well-centered image revealing near-perfect contrast and clarity.

No obtrusive flaws are evident with the only modest blemishes being a diminutive upper right corner chip, a microscopic-like "spec" of paper loss situated near the upper left quadrant, some faint surface scratches between Lazzeri and the background Yankee teammate as well as a modest horizontal surface impression above Lazzeri's left ear. The flipside includes the renowned "BETTMANN ARCHIVE INC." credit stamp that is seen on many of Charles Conlon's masterful images. Truly one of the most significant Tony Lazzeri Type 1 photos extant, it turns back the clock to his 1926 rookie season that saw this slugging infielder about to embark on one of the most formidable careers realized by any second sacker!

MIN BID $300
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