(LOT 115)
Extremely Significant 1936 Joe DiMaggio "ROOKIE" PSA Type 1 Encapsulated International News Photo (w/Lazzeri & Crosetti) – Arguably one of the Earliest DiMaggio Yankee Images Extant – Opening Day of Spring Training - March 2, 1936! - Measures Approx. 6-1/2" x 8-1/2"
The 1936 season would mark the unprecedented emergence of the immortal "Joltin" Joe DiMaggio, and the highly touted Yankee rookie sensation would certainly not disappoint his newly fascinated fan base, clouting 29 round trippers and knocking in 125 runs while leading the Bronx Bombers to their first World Championship in four years. Teaming up with the iconic Lou Gehrig to form a dynamic slugging duo, "Joltin Joe" would continue his batting and fielding exploits for the next three seasons in leading the Yankees to four consecutive World Championships.

This absolutely amazing 6-1/2" x 8-1/2" 1936 offering portrays the 21-year old Yankee Clipper jogging with fellow teammates Tony Lazzeri and Frank Crosetti during their Spring Training tour in St. Petersburg, FL. Incredibly, considering its March 2, 1936 Spring Training opening day origin, it arguably resides as one of the earliest known Joe DiMaggio photos taken as a New York Yankee, with the accompanying PSA LOA clearly stating the photo was taken during DiMaggio's rookie season. Other than some stray light wrinkles, the classic sepia-toned image is in stellar condition, exhibiting magnificent resolution, modestly light contrast and no obtrusive surface flaws. Fittingly, "Joe D." is the centerpiece attraction, with Hall of Fame second sacker Tony Lazzeri situated to his right and star shortstop Frank Crosetti on his left as all three of these Italian West Coast stars are donning their Yankee pinstripes and period-style mitts.

The verso reveals the renowned "International News Photo" credit stamp as well as a critical caption that "tells the story" as follows: "THREE WEST COAST ITALIANS – YANKEE HOPES – ST. PETERSBURG, FLA. – LEFT TO RIGHT – TONY LAZZERI, INFIELDER; JOE DIMAGGIO, OUTFIELDER; AND FRANK CROSETTI, INFIELDER, OF THE NEW YORK YANKEES, SHOWN LOPING ONTO THE FIELD FOR THE OPENING DAY OF SPRING TRAINING, MARCH SECOND. ALL ITALIANS AND ALL HAILING FROM THE PACIFIC COAST. MANAGER JOE MCCARTHY HOPES THE BOYS WILL BRING HIM ANOTHER AMERICAN LEAGUE PENNANT THIS YEAR." A truly captivating heirloom from the Yankee Clipper's 1936 rookie season, it stands as a monumental testament to a player who, along with Willie Mays, is widely regarded as one of the two greatest centerfielders in baseball history.

In 1969, sportswriters voted DiMaggio the greatest living ballplayer; with that being no small feat considering Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Mickey Mantle, Ted Williams and Stan Musial were all alive when that renowned vote was cast. We cannot imagine any player who commanded the unparalleled respect of this baseball icon, who via his incredible baseball prowess and marriage to Hollywood bombshell Marilyn Monroe, will forever stand as an embodiment of a National hero. In closing and extraordinary to say the least, the critical flipside caption truly details the unquestionable origin of this museum worthy masterpiece that originates from the inaugural day of Joe DiMaggio's exalted Yankee career, placing it as one of the most significant Yankee Clipper photos on the planet!

MIN BID $1,000
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