(LOT 1294)
c.1950s Original International News Photos 7" x 9" Al Kaline Type 1 News Service Photo - PSA Encapsulated
At only 20 years old, Al Kaline led the American League in batting with a .340 average, a league-high 200 hits and clouted 27 home runs in 1955. He finished second in AL MVP voting to New York's Yogi Berra, despite Berra not leading any major offensive category. Detroit fans were witnessing what was to come for 22 seasons as Kaline led the Tigers offense, culminating in a World Series win in 1968 over the St. Louis Cardinals. Offered is a 7" x 9" photograph of a youthful Tigers slugger posing with his bat. This early-1950s International News Photos original Type 1 news service photograph has been encapsulated by PSA as Authentic. Though the photo is missing the upper left corner, there are no obstructive flaws near the central image and the borders and corners show only light wear. The reverse features a large "INTERNATIONAL NEWS PHOTOS" stamp across the top and pencil notations at center including "Al Kaline". The slightly toned back also displays heavy pencil covering, perhaps a text error, but does not take away from the central image on the front or back. There is also a ballpoint notation at left of "AL KALINE".
MIN BID $200