(LOT 280)
c.1910s Ed Cicotte PSA Type 1 Encapsulated Paul Thompson - Measures Approx. 4-1/4" x 6-1/4"
BLACK SOX TYPE 1 PHOTO!!!... This sensational PSA Type 1 Ed Cicotte pitching illustration was taken by the legendary Paul Thompson during the early 1910s era, portraying the right-handed twirler donning his classic Boston Red Sox uniform. Cicotte pitched five years in Beantown from 1908-1912, eventually traded to the Chicago White Sox during the 1912 campaign. Unfortunately for Cicotte, overshadowing his great pitching prowess would be the ultra-dark moment when he joined seven of his "Black-Sox" teammates in a conspiracy to "throw" the 1919 World Series against the Cincinnati Reds. After being traded from Boston to the Windy City during the 1912 campaign, Cicotte would finally find his niche, stringing together nine formidable seasons with the White Sox including three 20+ win campaigns and four years in which he posted sub-2.00 ERAs! In Chicago's 1917 championship season, Cicotte would win 28 games and lead the league with a microscopic 1.53 ERA, surely establishing himself as one of baseball's finest pitchers alongside Johnson, Alexander and Ruth.

Sad to say, he would be banned from baseball forever after the 1920 season due to his involvement in the tragic 1919 "Black-Sox" scandal in which Cicotte accepted $10,000 to pitch poorly in his game one and four losses against the Reds. Ironically, due to this earth-shattering scandal, the value for Cicotte's collectibles has increased profoundly, and this truly scarce offering stands as one of those highly coveted keepsakes. The approximate 4-1/4" x 6-1/4" imposing image reveals the standout hurler tossing one of his masterful pitches in his period-style Boston-road flannels. No glaring flaws are evident, and the significant PAUL THOMPSON credit stamp is affixed to the verso along with some pencil notations reading "Cicotte-P" and Chicago-Amer", obviously scripted after Cicotte was traded to the White Sox. A magnificent 110+ years heirloom, it stands as a vivid reminder of how the great Ed Cicotte sadly sold his soul for the gluttony of padding his suppressed wallet, ultimately compromising his remaining MLB career!

MIN BID $200
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