(LOT 521)
Historically Significant May 9, 1947 Jackie Robinson Rookie Image with Ben Chapman PSA Type 3 Encapsulated Associated Press Photo – Measures Approx. 7-5/8" x 9"
JACKIE ROOKIE IMAGE!!! After Jackie Robinson's historic April 10, 1947 Brooklyn Dodgers signing that placed him as MLB's inaugural African-American player, the floodgates officially opened with regard to the relentless and unmerciful verbal abuse directed towards this HOF icon. Arguably the most intense swearing Robinson would be subjected to took place on April 22nd at Ebbets Field in the first game of a three-game set against the Philadelphia Phillies. Brooklyn would best the Phillies by a 1-0 score, courtesy of Hal Gregg's one-hit shutout, but the major storyline was the relentless barrage of cursing and racial insults directed towards Robinson throughout the game from his Philadelphia opponents. This malicious attack was prompted by Phillies manager Ben Chapman, who incited the players to follow his lead throughout the contest, with many of Chapman's brutal comments appearing in popular periodicals such as the Washington Post. On May 4th, renowned radio broadcaster Walter Winchell broke the story via a nationwide radio show, and while Jackie shrugged off Chapman's verbal attack in various interviews, stating "it really didn't bother me", his performance proved otherwise, for after the April 22nd game, he proceeded to go into an 0-20 slump!

Word of this harsh vocal abuse was eventually conveyed to NL President Ford Frick and Commissioner Happy Chandler, who proceeded to make it very clear to Phillies GM Herb Pennock that severe racial barbs towards Robinson would be considered unacceptable. Pennock passed along this message to Chapman before the start of a Brooklyn-Philadelphia three-game series that would commence May 9th at Shibe Park. Philadelphia is known as the City of Brotherly Love, and on May 9th, a momentous picture was taken of Robinson and Chapman holding Jackie's bat. Whether this was just a publicity stunt or the two men had actually ironed out some of their differences, what we know with 100% certainty is that this historic photo truly stands as one of Jackie Robinson's most notable rookie year images, presented here in a PSA Type 3 holder. Measuring approximately 7-5/8" x 9" and issued in 1947, crystal-clear focus and near-perfect contrast steal the show, as both Chapman and Robinson conjure up somewhat sheepish grins. There is a right edge trim leaving no right border, and aside from some faint wrinkles, no obtrusive surface blemishes are evident. The final superlative is the verso's May 9, 1947 markings and Associated Press wire stamp justifying its Type 3 stature, with this historically significant offering one of Jackie Robinson's most extraordinary 1947 rookie images!

MIN BID $500
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