A rare photo of Ty Cobb taken from a unique angle during a 1909 game has surfaced and headlines the listings in RMY Auctions’ October online catalog.
The newly uncovered 5×7 image, captured at Detroit’s Bennett Park, captures the quaintness of big league baseball more than 100 years ago. Looking almost like a minor league facility, the wooden stands are nevertheless packed with spectators as Cobb comes in hard against catcher Lou Criger, who attempts to apply the tag with the baseball held in his bare hand.
In the foreground, according to the photo editor’s notes on back, is Hall of Famer Hughie Jennings. The umpire is Hall of Famer Billy Evans, just 25 at the time. Twelve years later, Evans and Cobb would famously brawl under the stands after a dispute had taken place during a game.
The well-worn but possibly one-of-a-kind original Cobb photo is one of 600 sports, historic and entertainment photos, many acquired from old newspaper archives, that are up for bid in RMY’s October auction, which continues through October 25. Bidding for each lot will open at $15.
Cobb won the Triple Crown in 1909 and led the Tigers to the American League pennant, hitting .377 with 107 RBI and 9 homers—all inside-the-park. He’s the only 20th century player in history to lead the league in homers without hitting a ball over the fence.
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