(LOT 1242)
c.1910s Ed Cicotte PSA Type 1 Encapsulated Paul Thompson Photo - Measures Approx. 4-1/2" x 6-1/2"
This sensational PSA Type 1 Ed Cicotte pitching illustration was taken by the legendary Paul Thompson during the early 1910s era and portrays the right-handed hurler donning his classic Boston Red Sox uniform. Cicotte pitched five years in Beantown from 1908-1912, eventually traded to the Chicago White Sox during the 1912 campaign. Unfortunately for Cicotte, overshadowing his great pitching prowess would be the ultra-dark moment when he joined seven of his "Black-Sox" 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 1.53 E.R.A., surely establishing himself as one of baseball's finest pitchers alongside Johnson, Alexander and Ruth. Sad to say the least, 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 Games 1 and 4, each losses against the Reds. Ironically, due to this earth-shattering scandal, the value for Cicotte's collectibles have increased profoundly, and this truly scarce offering stands as one of those highly coveted keepsakes. The 4-1/2" x 6-1/2" imposing image reveals the standout hurler tossing one of his masterful pitches in his period-style Boston-road flannels. No glaring flaws are evident, and the most significant 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 suppressed wallet!

MIN BID $200