(LOT 1682)
c.1919 Hal Chase PSA Type 1 Encapsulated Paul Thompson Photo Measures Approx. 6-1/2" x 8-1/2" (Incl. PSA Type I LOA)
Presented here is an extremely rare c.1910s Hal Chase PSA Type 1 photo was taken by one of baseball's most iconic pre-war photographers, the legendary Paul Thompson. Donning his New York Giants home uniform, this image was taken in 1919, Chase's final campaign of his "stormy" 15-year MLB career. The verso's pencil notations solidify that notion by reading: "Hal Chase back in the game again N.Y. Nat'l". Prompting that notation was the fact that Chase, as a member of the Cincinnati Reds in 1918, was suspended indefinitely by manager Christy Mathewson for allegedly gambling on baseball, citing the term "indifferent playing". Before the start of the 1919 season, N.L. President John Heydler cleared Chase of all wrong doing, with Cincinnati ultimately trading him to the N.Y. Giants for Walter Holke and Bill Rariden. "Prince Hal", as he was commonly referred to, while not a Hall of Famer, was considered by many pre-WWII experts (including Babe Ruth) as the greatest all around 1st baseman.

Unfortunately for Chase, his aforementioned alleged gambling tendencies eventually led to him being released by John McGraw after the 1919 season, as well as eliminating any potential for being a Cooperstown inductee. Yet, as with the "Black Sox Eight", Chase's assumed gambling legacy has created a significant following with a myriad of enthusiasts scrambling to capture his most prized artifacts. This ultra-scarce offering resides as one such memento, portraying Chase "playing catch" at what appears to be the Polo Grounds. Depicting superb contrast and clarity, a few stary wrinkles and a diminutive soiling spot to the right of Chase's belt do not impede the outstanding aesthetics, with the flip side revealing the critical Paul Thompson credit stamp. A stupendous "Prince Hal" keepsake, it conjures up memories of how this swashbuckling and smooth-fielding first sacker "stirred the pot" with his incessive tendencies to continuously place bets on America's favorite pastime!

MIN BID $300
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