(LOT 1674)
Historically Significant 1947 Jackie Robinson "Rookie" PSA Type I Encapsulated ACME Newspictures Photo - Taken April 11, 1947 Measures Approx. 7" x 9"
This absolutely momentous April 11, 1947 image of Jackie Robinson donning his Montreal Royals uniform in the Brooklyn Dodgers Ebbets Field clubhouse arguably stands as the most noteworthy Jackie Robinson photo on the planet! While most collectors all retain their own personal opinions on desirability and potential value for the hobby's most prized artifacts, the prior $54,511 public sale of a similar press photo substantiates its unparalleled prestige. The staggering pricing point is attributed to the fact that it was this historic day that Jackie Robinson would trade his Royals uniform for the classic Brooklyn Dodgers "Blue & Gray" flannels. The previous day (April 10, 1947), in the fifth inning of a Royals exhibition game against the Dodgers, General Manager Branch Rickey's assistant, Arthur Mann, released this stunning official statement to the press "The Brooklyn Dodgers today purchased the contract of Jackie Roosevelt Robinson from the Montreal Royals."

To the shocking surprise of an entire baseball community and most American patrons, this iconic press release immediately revolutionized professional baseball forever. Indeed, the floodgates had now officially opened for previously suppressed African-American ballplayers to have a "fair shake" in their quest for playing Major League Baseball. With a seemingly infinite number of reporters now anxiously awaiting Jackie's arrival into the clubhouse for his revered April 11th debut as an official Brooklyn Dodger player, this world-class image would be taken by the captivated press, portraying the courageous infielder walking into the Dodgers clubhouse as an official MLB Brooklyn player. Shortly thereafter this legendary image was struck, Jackie would put on his exalted #42 Dodger uniform for the first time, playing first base that day and knocking in three runs in the Dodgers exhibition game victory against the Yankees.

Interestingly enough, from the first day he spoke of Robinson, Branch Rickey made it perfectly clear he was "seeking a black ballplayer with great talent and personal character" and that Jackie was his man. Both Robinson and Rickey exhibited an overwhelming level of courage to pursue this event that will stand the test of time, for no one would argue that one of our National Pastime's most iconic moments was when the immortal Jackie Robinson broke the Major League's color barrier in April 1947. It is with no surprise that Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson's collectibles continue to skyrocket every day, especially in lieu of the historic "42" box office smash that significantly escalated an already lucrative Jackie Robinson collectibles market, with this grand offering paving the way. The awe-inspiring 7" x 9" black & white image depicts the great Robinson donning his Montreal Royals uniform as he strolls into the Ebbets Field clubhouse for the inaugural time as an official Brooklyn Dodgers player.

Our "hats off" to the press members who struck this breathtaking image for they not only captured an ultra-ecstatic Jackie exhibiting a wonderful candid smile, but the clubhouse wall's "DODGERS CLUBHOUSE KEEP OUT" verbiage that truly captures the story of this "once in a lifetime" event. The illustration portrays crystal clear clarity and near-perfect contrast, with the few stray wrinkles, upper right corner wear and modest surface abrasion situated directly above the lower border rendered virtually irrelevant versus the captivating central image. Breathtaking to say the least, this museum worthy Jackie masterpiece has stubbornly defied "Father Time" over the past 74 years. The flip side reveals several Culver Picture labels overlaying the ACME Newspictures credit stamp, some scattered notations and a small newspaper clipping depicting details of the obverse side image. This incredible photo truly captures the significance of that April 11, 1947 day when the legendary Jackie Robinson would be donning a Brooklyn Dodgers uniform for the remainder of his professional career. Historically momentous to say the least, Jackie's inaugural Brooklyn contract forever transfigured our National Pastime, with the courage displayed by Rickey and Robinson serving as a "beacon of light" for not only baseball but an enduring nation, and surely to "echo for eternity!".


MIN BID $7,500
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