(LOT 268)
c.1926 Tony Lazzeri "Rookie" PSA Type 1 Encapsulated Charles Conlon Photo – Measures Approx. 6-1/2" x 8"
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 6-1/2" x 8" 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 sparkling resolution and near-perfect contrast. Other than a few faint vertical scratches near Lazzeri's left ear, no obtrusive flaws are evident, and the verso includes the critical CHARLES M. CONLON credit stamp as well as the following notations penciled in Conlon's hand: "Tony LAZZERI – (Yankees)." Incredibly scarce, it unquestionably resides as one of the most significant Tony Lazzeri Type 1 photos extant, turning back the clock to his 1926 rookie campaign that saw this slugging infielder about to embark on one of the most formidable second-sacker careers in baseball history!

MIN BID $300
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