(LOT 166)
1937 Lou Gehrig & Young Boy PSA Type 1 Encapsulated ACME Newspictures Photo - Measures Approx. 6" x 8"
This breathtaking 1937 Photo reveals the immortal "Iron Horse" showing young movie star Bobby Breen how to hold a baseball bat during a movie screen test for "The Trail Blazers." On March 6, 1937 Lou Gehrig was still "holding out" for more money from the New York Yankees and during this contract dispute, he would arrive in Hollywood for his "Trail Blazer" screen test. The young star Bobby Breen, who was also auditioning for the movie, would assist Gehrig with some make-up tips, and in return, Lou is shown giving Bobby free batting lessons! Unfortunately for Lou, he would never appear in "The Trail Blazer" motion picture, with Gehrig making his motion picture debut in the 1938 film called "Rawhide." Meanwhile, Gehrig would eventually end his hold-out on March 18, 1937, settling for $36,000 and a $750 signing bonus. Fresh off of his MVP 1936 season, Gehrig was demanding $50,000 from the Yankees, and although he ultimately accepted $14,000 less, his new $36,000 annual salary still placed him at a pinnacle level as the highest paid player in baseball.

Gehrig would certainly not disappoint both management and his avid fan base, posting another 'MVP Worthy" campaign by belting 37 round-trippers, knocking in 158 runs and compiling a sensational .351 batting average. Synonymous with those world-class batting feats are the brilliant aesthetics of this eclectic offering that just happens to reveal crystal-clear clarity and near-perfect contrast. A modest upper border vertical tear (partially extending into the actual photo) and some surface damage along the lower border do not impede the remarkable eye appeal of the captivating central image. The verso includes the renowned ACME Newspictures credit stamp that has been partially covered by a critical caption detailing the history of this March 6, 1937 illustration. One of the more obscure Iron Horse images you will ever encounter, it successfully connects Gehrig's unparalleled batting expertise to his seldom discussed "off the field" achievements via an imposing and ultra-rare pose!

MIN BID $200
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