(LOT 1241)
c.1910s Original Paul Thompson 6-1/2" x 8-1/2" Bobby Wallace Type 1 Photograph - PSA Encapsulated
St. Louis Cardinals and Browns Bobby Wallace was considered the greatest fielding shortstop of his generation and is credited (or rather credited himself) with inventing the continuous throwing motion. In the early day, shortstops fielded the ball, stopped and set their feet and then threw to first, often missing some of the speedier runners. This continuous motion revolutionized the position as shortstops were able to run onto a ball, field it and throw in one slick motion to beat out even the quickest of batter more often than not. Wallace played 25 seasons in the Majors the Cleveland Spiders, Cardinals and Browns amassing 2,309 hits, 1,121 RBIs and a .268 batting average.

It is likely that his glove had much to do with his 1953 induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Presented here is an original circa-1910s Paul Thompson photo of the Browns shortstop at bat. With his bat on his shoulder, this clear image of Bobby staring down the pitcher is still in great condition with only light surface abrasions visible. The white periphery of this 6-1/2" x 8-1/2" photo remains clean and relatively sharp with only light touches at the corners. The back still holds the standard Paul Thompson stamping in purple with pencil notations "Wallace - St. Louis Am. - (at bat)" at the center. Also present is a second stamp from "The Ring, Inc."

MIN BID $200