(LOT 133)
c.1920's Rare Walter Johnson Batting Pose - PSA Type I Original Paul Thompson Photo – Measures Approx. 7-1/4" x 9-1/2" - PSA Type I LOA
Here is one you don't see very often! In the 1920's, iconic baseball photographer Paul Thompson changed gears by capturing the great Washington Senators pitching mainstay Walter Johnson in a seldom seen batting photo. Measuring approximately 7-1/4" x 9-1/2", this eclectic black & white image portrays the "Big Train" holding his period style lumber while depicting his batting stance. While we are all familiar with Johnson's modern-day record of 417 lifetime wins and microscopic-like 2.17 E.R.A., few people realize Johnson was also a formidable hitting pitcher, posting a very respectable .235 lifetime batting average (for a pitcher) via 547 hits that included 24 home runs.

The classic image reveals sparkling clarity and near-perfect contrast, with the snow-white borders and edging retaining a majority of their originally issued attributes. The only blemish necessitating mention is a peripheral horizontal wrinkle extending from the central right edge though Johnson's left leg, with the critical Paul Thompson credit stamp boldly affixed on the verso's otherwise clean surface. A truly remarkable keepsake, this obscure offering reflects the immortal "Big Train" portraying another one of his seemingly infinite array of skill sets that substantiated the notion of his virtually unparalleled baseball athleticism! LOA – PSA/DNA Type I

MIN BID $300