(LOT 252)
c.1910s Ed Cicotte PSA Type 1 Paul Thompson Encapsulated Photo - Measures Approx. 6-1/2" x 8-1/2" (Incl. PSA Type I LOA)
This sensational PSA Type 1 Ed Cicotte illustration was taken by the legendary Paul Thompson during the 1910's era and portrays the formidable right-handed twirler donning his classic "Black" Chicago uniform. Ironically, the imposing "black" flannels conjures up vivid memories of how Cicotte joined seven of his teammates in a substantiated conspiracy to "throw" the 1919 World Series against the Cincinnati Reds. After being traded from Boston Red Sox to the "Windy City" during the 1912 campaign, Cicotte would finally find his niche, stringing together 9 great seasons with the White Sox including three 20+ win campaigns and four years in which he posted a sub-2.00 E.R.A.! In Chicago's 1917 championship season, Cicotte would win 28 games and lead the league with a microscopic-like 1.53 E.R.A., surely establishing himself as one of baseball's finest pitchers alongside Johnson, Alexander and Ruth.

Unfortunately for Cicotte, he would be banned from baseball forever after the 1920 season due to his involvement in the tragic 1919 "Black-Sox" scandal in which he accepted $10,000 to pitch poorly in game numbers 1 and 4 losses against the Reds. Similar to "Shoeless Joe" Jackson artifacts, collectibles for all of the "Scandalous Eight" have increased profoundly since hobbyists are infatuated with the "Black-Sox" collecting niche. This ultra-scarce Cicotte offering truly stands as one of those highly coveted keepsakes as the 6-1/2" x 8-1/2" imposing image reveals the standout hurler completing one of his masterful pitches. An upper left corner diminutive crease and some extremely faint stray wrinkles do not impede the breathtaking Cicotte pitching pose, and the critical PAUL THOMPSON credit stamp is affixed to the verso. A magnificent century+ old heirloom, it stands as a vivid reminder of how the truly outstanding Cicotte sadly sold his soul and baseball career for the gluttony of padding his wallet!

MIN BID $200
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