(LOT 1687)
Historically Significant 1947 Jackie Robinson "Rookie" PSA Type 3 Associated Press Wire Composite Photo w/Two April 10, 1947 Images – The Day the Dodgers Officially Announced Robinson would be the Inaugural MLB African-American Player – Measures Approx. 8" x 10"
This momentous April 10, 1947 PSA Type 3 composite photo of Jackie Robinson donning his Montreal Royals uniform portrays the Dodgers icon in the Brooklyn Dodgers Ebbets Field clubhouse as well as shaking hands with the ardent Dodgers fans. One of the most noteworthy Jackie Robinson photos extant, this was the historic day that Jackie Robinson would wear his Royals uniform for the final time, trading it in the next day for the Brooklyn Dodgers "Blue & Gray" flannels. 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. A myriad of reporters now anxiously awaited Jackie's "after-game" arrival into the Dodgers clubhouse since he was now an official Brooklyn Dodger player. The next day, on April 11, 1947, Jackie would put on his exalted #42 Dodger uniform for the first time, playing first base 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 that will stand the test of time, with one of National Pastime's most revered moments being the immortal Jackie Robinson breaking the MLB color barrier in April 1947. The 8" x 10" Type 3 period photo reveals two awe-inspiring Robinson images from April 10, 1947, both of which portraying the legendary Jackie in his Montreal Royals flannels. On the left, Robinson is signing autographs for his captivated fan base, and on the right, he is entering the Ebbets Field clubhouse for the inaugural time as an official Brooklyn Dodgers player.

Our "hats off" to the press members who struck these breathtaking images, especially the exalted one on the right for it captures an ecstatic Jackie exhibiting a candid smile as well as the clubhouse wall's "DODGERS CLUBHOUSE – KEEP OUT" verbiage that truly captures the story of this historic event. The classic illustration portrays crystal-clear clarity and near-perfect contrast, with some edge wear and stray wrinkles not impeding the critical central image. The flipside reflects an important caption detailing this momentous occurrence (note that the caption also refers to Jackie donning his new Dodgers uniform on April 11th which is not part of this particular photo). This remarkable composite offering truly captures the significance of that April 10, 1947 day when the legendary Jackie Robinson would trade-in his Montreal uniform for Dodger blue flannels, with Jackie's 1947 Brooklyn contract forever transfiguring both our National Pastime and an inspired Nation!
MIN BID $1,000
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