(LOT 1741)
1936 Bob Feller Rookie Image Feller Strikes Out 15 Batters in His MLB Debut as a Starting Pitcher! PSA Type 1 Encapsulated Louis Van Oeyen Photo Measures Approx. 7" x 9"
Presented here is an extraordinary 1936 Bob Feller PSA Type 1 "Rookie" pitching image, taken by none other than the iconic photographer Louis Van Oeyen. Most significantly, it not only suffices as a bona fide Feller rookie memento, but it represents his inaugural appearance as an MLB "starting pitcher!" On August 23, 1936 "Rapid" Bob took the mound in Cleveland's Municipal Stadium against the St. Louis Browns, his official MLB debut as a starting pitcher. In his previous six appearances as a relief pitcher, the 17-year-old flame-throwing high school senior from Van Meter, Iowa had given up 11 hits, eight walks and seven earned runs, certainly not living up to his "phenom" stature. Now, given the chance to toe the rubber in the first inning, Feller struck out the Brown's leadoff hitter (shortstop Lyn Lary) to open the game with the pressure of having Indians relief pitcher Denny Galehouse loosening up in the bullpen, in the event of another Feller failure.

Utilizing his blistering fastball that approached 100 mph, Feller absolutely dominated St. Louis, literally turning their bats to sawdust by striking out a remarkable 15 batters en route to a complete game 4-1 victory. At the time, the 15 strikeouts fell only one short of Rube Waddell's 16 "K" A.L. record, and two shy of Dizzy Dean's MLB record of 17 whiffs. Feller would end the '36 campaign with five victories, returning home after the season to earn his high-school diploma. Back on "the bump" for the Indians in 1937, Feller would embark on a Hall of Fame career that would see the fire-balling twirler develop into one of the greatest right-handed pitchers in baseball history. Winner of 266 games, Feller utilized a blazing fastball and nasty "12 to 6" curveball to tantalize hitters to the tune of three no-hitters and 2,581 career strikeouts.

Had it not been for losing nearly four full seasons due to joining the Navy in WWII, he would have easily posted another 70/80 wins to his already lofty total. Measuring 7" x 9", this historic Louis Van Oeyen August 23, 1936 photo portrays the 17-year-old Feller completing one of his "filthy" pitches from the Municipal Stadium mound en route to his 15-strikeout performance, highlighted by world-class contrast and clarity. The incredible image has eluded any obtrusive blemishes, only exhibiting some paper rippling in the upper and lower regions as well as a negligible notch along the left edge. The verso includes a critical caption depicting the details of Feller's momentous game, the final "thumbs up" for what may truly reside as Bob Feller most significant photo on the planet!

MIN BID $300
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