(LOT 129)
1919 World Series Eddie Collins PSA Type I Encapsulated George Grantham Bain Photo – Measures Approx. 5" x 7"
This outstanding 1919 World Series Eddie Collins PSA Type 1 George Grantham Bain photo portrays the legendary Hall of Famer in a classic batting pose before a game played at Comiskey Park. Due to the legendary "Black Sox" fix, this 1919 contest between the Chicago White Sox and the Cincinnati Reds arguably stands as the most celebrated Fall Classic in baseball history. "The best of nine" format would eventually be won by Cincinnati in eight games, with eight White Sox stars including the incomparable "Shoeless" Joe Jackson allegedly accepted money from gangster Arnold Rothstein to "throw" the series. In fact, it appears that the iconic Jackson is also included in this photo, with the background left-handed slugger holding a colossal sized Black Betsy-like bat certainly appearing to be the iconic "Shoeless Joe".

Fortunately for the "clean-cut" immortal Hall of Famer Eddie Collins, he took no part in this despicable conspiracy that still stands as the ultimate "black mark" on our National Pastime. The great Eddie Collins is donning his classic White Sox pinstripe home uniform, and as most historians attest to, along with Hornsby and Lajoie, Collins is regarded as one of the greatest 2nd sackers of all-time. His statistical achievements make a strong case for this argument including a staggering .333 lifetime average accumulated via 3,315 safeties. Collins was also a complete player, widely regarded as the best fielding 2nd baseman of his era, and was a fantastic base runner, swiping 741 bases throughout a spectacular 25-year career.

His awe-inspiring portrayal reveals fine clarity and a somewhat darker contrast that effectively blends Collins' upper body with the Comiskey Park grandstands. Measuring approximately 5" x 7", no obtrusive flaws are evident, and the flipside reveals the renowned George Grantham Bain News Service credit stamp that has been predominantly covered by several Culver Service stamps. The October 3, 1919 violet date indicates this image was taken before Game 3 of the Series that was won by Chicago by a 3-0 score. Ironically, chief White Sox conspirator Chick Gandil knocked in two runs and rookie Dickie Kerr pitched a masterful shutout. An historical keepsake, it conjures up vivid memories of how the 1919 "Black-Sox" fix nearly destroyed our National Pastime, with star second baseman Eddie Collins fortunately avoiding any role in this immense tragedy!

MIN BID $300
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