RMY Auctions has launched its 2014 Holiday Auction with over 300 vintage photographs up for bid. Among them is a newly discovered image of “Shoeless” Joe Jackson in action.
While any new, original image of Jackson is rare, finding action photos of the great ballplayer is almost impossible. Only a handful of photographs showing Jackson batting, running, or fielding during actual game-action exist in the market today.
The 6 ¼” x 7 ¾” picture shows Jackson rounding third base and heading home and was previously unknown to the hobby. The photo has some wear and remnants of artist’s paint on the front.
It’s believed the image dates to 1910 but it could be from either 1910, 1911, or 1912 based on the uniform style. Jackson had been traded to the Cleveland Naps prior to the 1910 season and was called up from New Orleans in late summer. He played in 20 games and hit .387. In 1911, his first full season, Jackson hit .408, a rookie record that still stands, but it was only good enough for second behind Ty Cobb in the league batting race.
Among the lots of historic news, sports and entertainment photos are images of Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Mel Ott, Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris, Red Grange, Jim Thorpe, Amos Alonzo Stagg, George Halas, Vince Lombardi, Bill Russell, Pete Maravich and Michael Jordan. The auction continues through December 9. To register for bidding, visit RMYAuctions.com.