(LOT 126)
Lou Gehrig Signed c.1936 "I Can't Get to First Base With You" Sheet Music PSA/DNA 9 MINT
IRON HORSE AUTO!!!... This outstanding Lou Gehrig c.1936 "I Can't Get to First Base With You" sheet music has been boldly signed by the Yankees courageous captain, with the PSA/DNA 9 MINT "Lou Gehrig" black fountain pen autograph neatly affixed across his right forearm (a Lou Gehrig facsimile signature is also situated on his left forearm). The voice/piano musical score was written by renowned songwriter Fred Fisher and Lou's beloved wife Eleanor, with the 9" x 12" classical arrangement including an imposing front cover image of the Iron Horse smoking a cigarette in a leisurely moment, as well as a small portrait pose of Mrs. Lou Gehrig near the lower right quadrant. Multiple captions situated above the bold white song title include: "This song was written by FRED FISCHER and Mrs. LOU GEHRIG – Dedicated to LOU GEHRIG – FAMOUS FIRST BASEMAN."

The back cover includes an extensive list of Fred Fischer's popular songs, including "Chicago", and "Peg O' My Heart", and the interior pages reveal the lyrics and piano music. Other than some modest surface abrasions near the upper right edges, general surface/corner wear and a few diminutive stray wrinkles, the sheet music presents itself in super eye-pleasing fashion. The driving force behind this momentous artifact was Babe Ruth's departure from the Bronx Bombers after the 1934 campaign. Gehrig was about to be named the Yankees captain, taking on the significant role of being the team's new leader in the absence of the immortal Babe. Throughout his career, Gehrig's tranquil personality had placed the HOF first sacker in Ruth's shadow, and he would now inherit the pressure of taking on a more assertive role to inspire his teammates.

His wife Eleanor truly recognized the immense responsibility her modest husband would now be bearing and teamed up with the legendary Fred Fischer to write this song as a stepping stone to provide Lou with more public notoriety, as well as embracing his newfound celebrity status. In fact, Eleanor actually wrote a letter to Lou, reminding him, "You just need to be yourself and go on to be fine, true and simple. You are not Babe Ruth, and shouldn't try to be like him." Interestingly enough, this backstory is a microcosm of Gehrig's entire career, with this quiet hero going about his business in a blue-collar manner to the tune of an unfathomable 2,130 consecutive games played. His iconic "Luckiest Man of the Face of the Earth" speech on July 4, 1939 and tragic passing at the tender age of 37 from ALS are the final staples of the Iron Horse's extraordinary life, with this Lou Gehrig autographed sheet music a resounding testament to his storied career! PSA/DNA LOA.

MIN BID $1,500
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