(LOT 74)
1939 Lou Gehrig Classic Batting Swing – PSA Type 1 Original International News Photos – Measures Approx. 7" x 11-1/8" – Full PSA Type 1 LOA
This classic Lou Gehrig batting swing original photo taken on April 18, 1939 represents "the beginning of the end" for the Yankees gallant captain. Deemed a PSA Type 1 image and measuring an extremely large 7" x 11-1/8", the illustration represents one of the Yankees final spring training games before they would open their season April 20th at Yankee Stadium versus their arch rival Red Sox. It also signifies the rapid downfall of the "Iron Horse" as he grounds into a double-play against his Dodger opponent. With a seemingly infinite fanbase throughout America shockingly looking on, Gehrig's once world-class skills were diminishing at an exponential pace.

Incredibly, this immortal Yankee first sacker was falling apart at the seams, and no one could possibly predict that he had contracted the deadly ALS disease that would claim his life only two years later. Less than a month this image was struck, Gehrig would pull himself out of the lineup on May 2nd, ending his unfathomable 2,130-consecutive game streak before a stunned crowd at Detroit's Briggs Stadium. Gehrig would never step to the plate again in an "official MLB game, and his incomparable "Luckiest Man on the Face of the Earth" speech on July 4, 1939 at Yankee Stadium that still resides as baseball's "Gettysburg Address". It therefore comes as little surprise that passionate collectors pursue his period memorabilia, with this oversized offering surely destined for an elite gathering.

Near-perfect resolution and contrast dominate the illustration as Gehrig completes his swing with Dodgers catcher Babe Phelps behind home plate. The well-centered image shows no obtrusive blemishes, whatsoever, and the flipside reveals the exact Gehrig newspaper photo and a detailed account of the photo's origin. A momentous image of the "Iron Horse", it truly stands tall as a testament to his tragic illness, unwavering courage, and overall iconic stature with all of the above captivating an awe-struck nation! - Full PSA/DNA Type I LOA

MIN BID $400
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