(LOT 125)
1913 Jim Thorpe Rookie Photo/Opening Day April 10, 1913 – PSA Type I Underwood & Underwood Photo – Measures Approx. 4" x 5" – PSA Type 1 Encapsulation
This stellar Jim Thorpe original 4" x 5" photo was taken by the renowned Underwood & Underwood News Service on opening day, April 10, 1913 at the Polo Grounds, and portrays the immortal 20th century star in his classic Giants home uniform. This would be Thorpe's first official game on the New York Giant's roster, with the Giants bested by the Boston Braves by an 8-0 score. Although Thorpe would not play on this particular day, he would in fact have 37 plate appearances during his 1913 rookie season. The eclectic black & white photo reveals Thorpe in a stoic standing position, glove in left hand, as he poses for the camera for his inaugural appearance as an official MLB player. Superb resolution and a somewhat darker contrast provide excellent aesthetics, with the upper left quadrant's diagonal crease and scattered black border/edge chipping not negating the brilliant Thorpe central image.

The flipside reveals a significant pencil notation reading: "Opening game of baseball; 4-10-13; Boston & N.Y. – Thorpe", the final compliment for this ultra-rare Thorpe rookie offering. One of the greatest all-around athletes ever, the immortal Jim Thorpe not only dominated various Olympic events including winning gold medals in the 1912 pentathlon and decathlon events as well as playing professional baseball and football during the early 1910's. His storied amateur career at Carlisle Indian School included two amazing All-American seasons in 1911 and 1912, with Thorpe leading Carlisle to the National Championship in 1912. His remaining baseball photos are few and far between, with this classic memento turning back the clock to the day he donned his New York pinstripes for the first time ever during an official Giants baseball game! - PSA Type I Encapsulation

MIN BID $400
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