(LOT 312)
1968 Bob Gibson PSA Type 1 Encapsulated United Press International Photo – Measures Approx. 8" x 10"
The 1968 MLB season was rightfully dubbed "the year of the pitcher" with seven hurlers posting a sub-2.00 E.R.A. Paving the way on that exclusive list of E.R.A. leaders was the legendary Hall of fame fireballer Bob Gibson who compiled one of the most imposing seasons ever recorded by a major league twirler. Gibson just happened to post a microscopic-like 1.12 E.R.A., the lowest figure ever achieved in modern history (Tim Keefe posted an 0.86 E.R.A. in 1880). Miraculously, "Gibby" achieved that figure tossing 306 innings, while compiling 22 wins, 268 strikeouts, a 0.86 WHIP, 13 shutouts and a remarkable 28 complete games in 34 starts! Easily claiming both the MVP and Cy Young award, he would lead his cardinals to the Fall Classic, only to fall one-game short in a tightly contested 7-game series.

As a grand testament for that uncanny 1968 campaign, presented here is an outstanding 8" x 10" PSA Type 1 photo portraying Gibson's classic pitching motion as he completes one of his seemingly un-hittable pitches. One of our National Pastime's fiercest competitors to ever grace a pitching rubber, you can literally feel his intensity as he firs the ball towards his catcher (most likely Tim McCarver who typically was Gibson's battery mate). The well-centered illustration does reveal a few stray wrinkles along the upper region do not impede the breathtaking central image that emanates sparkling clarity and stellar contrast. The final "thumbs up" is the significant UNITED PRESS INTERNATIONL CREDIT stamp on the flipside, with this seldom surfacing memento conjuring up vivid memories of how Bob Gibson dominated hitters throughout the 1968 campaign at a level never seen before or after!

MIN BID $200
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