A newly discovered photo of Lou Gehrig in his greatest season would be welcome news.
A photo taken through the lens of a legend is even better.
The RMY Auctions Photo of the Day shows Lou Gehrig taking a throw at first base in 1927. It was taken by Louis Van Oeyen, the Cleveland based lensman who was a pioneer in sports photography and is universally recognized as one of the best and most versatile news photographers of all-time.
The 8×10 image of Gehrig, stretching to receive a throw with his foot on the first base bag, is date stamped on the back and there are also some handwritten notes from Van Oeyen. It has never before been offered at public auction.
Van Oeyen was about 62 and in the latter stages of a long career when he snapped the image of Gehrig that is being offered in RMY’s holiday auction. Gehrig was in his prime, enjoying one of the greatest seasons ever recorded by a single player. He won the American League MVP, hitting a robust .373 with 218 hits, 52 doubles, 18 triples, 47 home runs and what was at the time a record-breaking 175 RBI.
Gehrig and the homer happy Ruth helped the Yankees win 110 games in 1927, cruising to the AL pennant by 19 games. They went on to sweep the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-0 in the World Series.
The auction continues through December 16 at RMYAuctions.com.
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