(LOT 1283)
c.1940s Original 6-1/2" x 8-1/2" Mel Ott Type 1 Cleveland News Photo - PSA Encapsulated
During the 1920s, '30s and '40s, few hitters were more feared that New York Giants slugger, Mel Ott. He holds many of the "firsts" records from the senior league, including being the first player to lead his team in RBIs for eight consecutive years and the first National Leaguer to hit 500 home runs. Despite his 5' 9" frame, he possessed extraordinary power and he led the New York Giants in home runs from 1928 to 1945. No other player in history has led his team in a single Triple Crown category in more consecutive seasons. Ott's unorthodox swing, which featured a high leg kick to harness his power, helped to account for his record-setting home run totals. Offered here is a 6-1/2" x 8-1/2" original Type 1 photograph showing Ott with that high leg kick in his unconventional swing. This beautiful black-and-white photo of the 1933 World Series champion and 11-time All-Star remains in great condition with wear at the corners in the form of light creasing and only soft abrasions at left, behind his knee. The flipside is still white with "THE CLEVELAND NEWS" stamp at the bottom, and "APR 22 1940" date stamp and pencil notations at center reading "Mel Ott r.f. - Giants team capt.". There is also a second 1944 stamp from "The Cleveland News" at the top. This is a beautiful photo of one the most feared hitter in National League history with Master Melvin ready to launch a ball into space.

MIN BID $200