Lot # 182: Amazing 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers Pitchers w/a Rookie Sandy Koufax – PSA Type 1 Encapsulated International News Photo - Measures Approx. 7” x 9”

Category: Photos

Starting Bid: $400.00

Bids: 9 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
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Item was in Auction "20th Anniversary Auction",
which ran from 9/18/2020 4:30 PM to
10/10/2020 7:00 PM




(LOT 182)
Amazing 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers Pitchers w/a Rookie Sandy Koufax – PSA Type 1 Encapsulated International News Photo - Measures Approx. 7" x 9"

"There are two times in my life the hair on my arms has stood up: The first time I saw the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and the second time, I saw Sandy Koufax throw a fastball." – Dodgers Scout Al Campanis...
Such were the words of renowned Brooklyn Dodger's scout Al Campanis before he "locked-up" the fire-balling southpaw Sandy Koufax with a $6,000 contract and $14,000 signing bonus in 1954. Koufax's legacy can be traced back to his Brooklyn upbringing where he attended Lafayette High School and started receiving serious recognition from professional scouts as a 17-year old due to his blistering fastball that overmatched virtually every hitter he faced. Koufax moved on to the University of Cincinnati where in his only season he posted a 3-1 record, 2.81 E.R.A. and 51 strikeouts in only 32 innings.

Unfortunately, the only stigma for this young southpaw was his inconsistent control, with Sandy walking 31 batters in those 31 innings. Regardless, Bill Zinser, another Dodgers scout, sent the front office an extremely positive report that was filed away and forgotten. Fortunately for Brooklyn, Dodgers scout Al Campanis had never forgotten Koufax's incredible arm when he saw him throw at Lafayette High School, and managed to get him a tryout at Ebbets Field with Manager Walter Alston and scouting director Fresco Thompson likewise looking on. Campanis assumed a batting stance as Koufax threw his first pitch and the rest was history, with Campanis prompted to make his eloquent aforementioned quote and signing the future Hall of Famer. Sandy Koufax would first toe the rubber for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1955, posting a 2-2 record and stellar 3.02 E.R.A. in 41 innings pitched.

Coincidently, that would be the season the Brooklyn Dodgers would finally beat their cross-town rival N.Y. Yankees in a tightly contested 7-game World Series, capturing Brooklyn's inaugural and only championship. This sensational 1955 PSA Type 1 "ROOKIE" photo portrays the fire-balling rookie southpaw posing with three other young Dodger hurlers, with the 19-year old future Hall of Famer situated on the far right. The other three pitchers (from left to right) include right-hander Billy Loes, and left-handers Johnny Podres and Karl Spooner. Of course, the critical component of this offering is the iconic Koufax who arguably stands as the greatest "peak value" all-time pitcher. Measuring approximately 7" x 9", the bright image emulates outstanding contrast and clarity, with the only notable flaws being several creases situated in the upper left quadrant as well as several diminutive chips along the left edge.

The verso includes the significant International News Photos credit stamp, the final compliment for this ultra-momentous masterpiece depicting Koufax in his rookie campaign. As we all know, while Koufax would significantly struggle his first 6 years with his ability to throw strikes, he eventually turned it all around to become one of our National Pastime's greatest left-handed twirlers. Thanks to the utmost patience of manager Walt Alston, from 1962 thru 1966, Koufax would win 111 games, strike out 1,444 batters (289 per season) and compile a microscopic 1.95 E.R.A., while tossing an incredible four no-hitters! He was so dominate during that period that fellow Cooperstown Inductee Willie Stargell once stated: "Trying to hit sandy Koufax's fastball is like trying to eat soup with a fork! No truer words were ever spoken, with this ultra-rare offering residing as one of the most noteworthy Koufax images extant since it reflects the legendary Cooperstown Inductee during his inaugural 1955 rookie season!

MIN BID $400
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