You can still see it today, just as Lefty Grove requested.
The American League MVP award for 1931 is on display at the Georges Creek Library in Lonaconing, MD, not far from his gravesite. Eighty-six years ago this summer, he was presented with the sterling silver trophy from the Baseball Writers Association. Now, a news photo taken that afternoon in Philadelphia is on the auction block.
RMY Auctions is offering the 5×7 silver gelatin photo from International News in its current auction. The original paper caption remains intact and is attached to the back.
Grove didn’t accept the award until it was ready for presentation prior to a game on a Thursday afternoon in August of 1932. Memories of his dominating 1931 season were still pretty fresh, though. Grove’s pitching had helped Connie Mack’s Athletics to a third straight A.L. pennant. He finished 31-4, the best winning percentage by a starting pitcher in history. His 2.06 ERA was by far the best in baseball. Grove won seven straight strikeout crowns during his career and finished his 17-year career as a member of the 300-win club. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1947.
The photo is one of hundreds in RMY Auctions’ current online catalog, with bidding set to close Saturday night.
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