(LOT 255)
1912 "Smoky" Joe Wood PSA Type I Encapsulated Paul Thompson Photo – Measures Approx. 5" x 7"
This magnificent 1912 PSA Type 1 "Smoky" Joe Wood offering was issued by none other than the legendary photographer Paul Thompson. Baseball historians will attest to the fact that nobody could possibly throw harder than "Smoky" Joe Wood including Walter Johnson, Bob Feller and Nolan Ryan, with the iconic Walter Johnson clearly stating: "no one throws harder than Joe Wood!" Before hurting his hand, Wood enjoyed several overpowering seasons including his finest in 1912 when his 34-win season led his Red Sox to a World Championship over McGraw's New York Giants. Wood would win three Fall Classic games, putting the final stamp on a season that saw the fire-balling twirler win a then record 17 consecutive games. Measuring approximately 5" x 7", the photo reveals a "spine-tingling" image of the immortal Joe Wood loosening up on the sidelines, having just completed another one of his tosses.

Donning his period style Red Sox uniform, the illustration depicts crystal clear clarity and superb contrast, with the only notable surface flaw being a negligible vertical crease running directly behind Wood's backside. Extremely well-centered between four bright white borders, you can literally "skip a beat" viewing this classic Wood offering, with the verso including a significant detailed caption regarding the 1912 season as well as the critical Paul Thompson and Harris & Ewing credit stamps (a small Harris & Ewing caption is also situated on the obverse side's lower right quadrant). One of "Smoky Joe's" finest photos extant, it turns back the clock to the 1912 campaign when his blazing fastball led Boston to their second World Championship!

MIN BID $200
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