(LOT 1733)
1933 Joe DiMaggio S.F. Seals Image PSA Type 1 Encapsulated Wide World Photos Measures Approx. 7" x 9"
For all of Joe DiMaggio's renowned achievements, there are many fans unfamiliar with his pre-MLB professional baseball origin which eventually paved the way for this ultra-significant offering. In 1932, California-born native Joseph Paul DiMaggio was a shortstop playing semi-pro ball when his brother Vince convinced the San Francisco Seals manager to have Joe play a few games with the Pacific Coast League's (PCL) San Francisco team. DiMaggio played his first professional game on October 1, 1932 and only participated in three games with a paltry nine at-bats that inaugural Fall season. In 1933, he was converted to an outfielder and was about to embark on an unprecedented career that would ultimately lead to his hallowed status as one of baseball's greatest all-time centerfielders. Moved to the outfield for the Seals 1933 season, DiMaggio would enjoy a remarkable 61-game hitting streak that would shatter the previous 49-game PCL record set by Jack Ness back in 1915.

After a career-threatening knee injury in 1934 (torn ligaments), Yankees' scout Bill Essick convinced the New York front office that "Joltin' Joe" would return to full strength from his injury, with the wise Yankee scout "spot on" in his assessment! After passing a physical in November 1934, the Yankees purchased DiMaggio's contract for $50,000 and five players. Playing his final campaign with the Seals in 1935, DiMaggio would bounce back to literally tear apart the PCL via a .398 league-leading batting average, 34 round-trippers and a staggering 154 runs batted in that would rightfully earn him the Most Valuable Player Award. The rest of the story is history as "Joe D" would begin his MLB Yankee vocation the following 1936 season, embarking on one of the most illustrious careers in baseball history. Ironically, his MLB legacy is closely tied to his seemingly unbreakable 56-game hitting streak in 1941 that prompted the illustrious song "Joltin' Joe" DiMaggioWe want you on our side", with the Yankee Clipper also setting the aforementioned PCL consecutive hitting streak record as well.

In 1933, from May 27th to July 25th, he tallied at least a single in an unfathomable 61 consecutive games, prompting DiMaggio to quote after the streak: "Baseball didn't really get into my blood until I knocked off that hitting streak. Getting a daily hit became more important to me than eating, drinking or sleeping." It is with distinct pleasure that Memory Lane now offers one of the most extraordinary Joe DiMaggio original Type 1 photos extant; a miraculous 1933 batting image of the San Francisco Seals 18-year-old superstar issued on July 15, 1933 by the renowned Wide-World Photos service (credit stamp on verso). Most significantly, this world-class image was taken after DiMaggio hit in his record-breaking 50th straight game, being presented with a watch by San Francisco Mayor Angelo J. Rossi as manager Jimmy Caveney intently looks on.

Immensely momentous is the fact that this offering arguably stands as one of the earliest known DiMaggio professional baseball images, even pre-dating his iconic 1934 PCL "Batting" pre-rookie baseball card that is sought-after by a myriad of collectors. Donning his classic Seals pinstriped uniform, a beaming "Joltin' Joe" exhibits a candid smile during this prestigious event. Breathtaking contrast and clarity highlight this ultra-rare offering that includes only a few stray wrinkles barely visible to the naked eye. The final "thumbs up" is the verso's critical caption that details the events of this Cooperstown worthy illustration (back scan of caption can be seen on MLI's website). One of the most significant Joe DiMaggio photos to ever surface in the hobby, it conjures up vivid memories of the Yankee Clipper's inaugural professional season as well as his record-setting PCL batting streak that may stand the test of time!

MIN BID $750
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