Lot # 124: Momentous 1939 Lou Gehrig Day Type I Original International News Photo – Measures Approx. 6-1/2” x 8-1/2” – PSA Type 1 LOA

Category: Photos

Starting Bid: $300.00

Bids: 21 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Holy Grail Rarities Auction",
which ran from 11/19/2018 6:15 PM to
12/15/2018 7:00 PM




(LOT 124)
Momentous 1939 Lou Gehrig Day Type I Original International News Photo Measures Approx. 6-1/2" x 8-1/2" PSA Type 1 LOA

No one could possibly measure the immense sadness experienced by some 62,000 fans and abundance of New York Yankees on July 4, 1939. The immortal Lou Gehrig, stricken with the deadly Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis disease (ALS), was honored at Yankee Stadium, eventually stepping to the microphone and delivering his iconic "Luckiest Man on the Face of the Earth" speech that will forever stand as our National Pastime's "Gettysburg Address". One of the most hallowed moments in baseball history, it is no secret that a myriad of sophisticated collectors actively pursue original photos representing this truly iconic moment, justifying why this incredible 6-1/2" x 8-1/2" PSA Type 1 photo of a melancholy Gehrig stands as one of the foremost images you will ever come across. You can literally feel Gehrig's immeasurable grief as the "Iron Horse" weeps with a handkerchief held by his stoic face, seemingly blinking back the tears as he soaks in this legendary moment.

Exhibiting outstanding contrast and crystal-clear clarity, the immortal image is well centered between four relatively clean white borders, and no obtrusive surface flaws are evident. The verso includes the "INTERNATIONAL NEWS" credit stamp as well as the critical caption dated July 4, 1939 that is titled: "DIAMOND VETERAN TOUCHED BY FANS DEMONSTRATION" while continuing on to elaborate on the days melancholy events. A truly magnificent portrayal of the Iron Horse on the legendary "Lou Gehrig Day", it personifies all of the emotions experienced by a grief-stricken nation at the mere thought of this "giant of a man" succumbing to the tragic ALS disease that would eventually claim his life some two years later.

This world-class masterpiece resides as one of the most significant keepsakes from that hallowed day, and as a bona-fide testament to Gehrig's eternal stature among America's greatest heroes, we feel the necessity to present his unparalleled speech that will unquestionably stand the test of time! Full PSA Type I LOA "Fans, for the past two weeks you have been reading about a bad break. Today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth. I have been in ballparks for 17 years and have never received anything but kindness and encouragement from you fans. Look at these grand men. Which of you wouldn't consider it the highlight of his career just to associate with them for even one day? Sure, I'm lucky. Who wouldn't consider it an honor to have known Jacob Ruppert?

Also, the builder of baseball's greatest empire, Ed Barrow? To have spent six years with that wonderful little fellow, Miller Huggins? Then to have spent the next nine years with that outstanding leader, that smart student of psychology, the best manager in baseball today, Joe McCarthy? Sure, I'm lucky. When the New York Giants, a team you would give your right arm to beat, and vice versa, sends you a gift that's something. When everybody down to the groundskeepers and those boys in white coats remember you with trophies that's something. When you have a wonderful mother-in-law who takes sides with you in squabbles with her own daughter that's something. When you have a father and a mother who work all their lives so you can have an education and build your body it's a blessing. When you have a wife who has been a tower of strength and shown more courage than you dreamed existed that's the finest I know. But, I might have been given a bad break, but I've got an awful lot to live for."

MIN BID $300
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