He could be nasty, even to teammates, but Ty Cobb was often willing to pose for baseball photographers.
In 1913, one such event generated some of the finest Cobb photos we know today including the rarely seen original image that has taken spot number one in RMY Auctions’ January online catalog.
The silver gelatin photo shows Cobb managing a devilish grin as he peers off to the side. The portrait-style image is clear enough that the details of Cobb’s complexion can be seen.
He’s pictured in the familiar collared button-down jersey, closed up at the neck with a pin. The striped old English “D” cap sits atop his head.
The photo was clearly used by a newspaper multiple times, as it bears some artistic tracing and wear including small rip on the far left side which does not affect the image of Cobb. There’s also a clipping related to his death on the back, meaning it may have been utilized off and on for 50 years or more.
While taken in 1913 when Cobb hit .390 for the Tigers with an on-base percentage of .467, the photo was issued by International Film Service around 1915 and bears various identification marks and stamping on the back.
For more information on the auction, which closes Saturday night, visit RMYAuctions.com.
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