Jackie Robinson’s debut 70 seasons ago took place on April 15…his regular season debut, anyway. Somewhat lost to history is that Robinson first took his position at Ebbets Field four days earlier, just a couple of hours after signing the contract that made him the first African-American player in history. His appearance on Friday, April 11 drew a crowd of 24,237 fans, … [Read more...] about Photo of the Day: Jackie Robinson’s Real Debut Day
RMY Auctions July 2017
Photo of the Day: Alfred Eisenstaedt Snaps Willie Mays in 1954
After making his major league debut in 1951, duty called for Willie Mays. He missed much of the 1952 season and all of ’53 in military service, although much of his time in the Army was spent playing ball. When he returned in ’54, the New York Giants center fielder not only didn’t miss a beat, he became baseball’s best player and began drawing attention from major … [Read more...] about Photo of the Day: Alfred Eisenstaedt Snaps Willie Mays in 1954
Photo of the Day: Stylin’ Babe Hits the Links with Everett Scott
Spring training rituals haven’t changed much since the 1920s: Players still spend some of their free time on the golf course. Evidence of that comes in the form of a news photo of Babe Ruth and New York Yankees teammate Everett Scott, waiting their turn on the tee box at Hot Spring Arkansas in March of 1923. While most latter day spring training outings aren’t covered … [Read more...] about Photo of the Day: Stylin’ Babe Hits the Links with Everett Scott
Rare Photo of Josh Gibson at Auction
One would think a player who may have been one of the greatest talents in baseball history would have been photographed virtually every week of his life—even in the 1930s. The sad truth is that Josh Gibson wasn’t photographed nearly as much as many inferior players because he spent his entire 18-year career outside the spotlight of Major League Baseball. He toiled in … [Read more...] about Rare Photo of Josh Gibson at Auction
Howe Parkhurst Hockey Photo at Auction
Expansion had yet to arrive and players on the “Original Six” NHL teams were familiar to fans but none were more famous than Mr. Hockey in the early 1960s. Gordie Howe’s career began just after World War II and lasted until he was in his 50s, playing in the World Hockey Association. His 32-year-career included 25 with the Detroit Red Wings where he played on 23 … [Read more...] about Howe Parkhurst Hockey Photo at Auction
Photo of the Day: “Nice Shot, Babe”
They had their differences and at times, the relationship was strained but on the field they were teammates committed to dominating the opposition. That's what Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig did in 1927. After a regular season in which they combined for 107 homers and the Yanks ran away with the pennant, they faced the Pittsburgh Pirates in the World Series. It wasn't … [Read more...] about Photo of the Day: “Nice Shot, Babe”
Photo of the Day: Christy Mathewson in the Windup
It had to be a sight that sent shivers down the spines of National League hitters. Christy Mathewson, arms stretched above his 6’1 frame, a ball cradled in his right hand and tucked inside the glove. Soon the sphere would be hurtling toward home plate doing goodness knows what. An original 1912 full-length silver gelatin photo of Matty, dressed in his New York Giants … [Read more...] about Photo of the Day: Christy Mathewson in the Windup
Photo of the Day: Carlisle Backfield Powers Canton
There’s no video of the great Jim Thorpe playing football in a snowstorm (wouldn’t that be something?) but thanks to a rare image, we do get a glimpse of late-season weather during Thorpe’s time with the Canton Bulldogs nearly 98 years ago. The RMY Auctions Photo of the Day captures a reunion of sorts for a trio of former Carlisle football stars who were participating in the … [Read more...] about Photo of the Day: Carlisle Backfield Powers Canton
Sole Survivor? Babe Ruth “Home Run Grip” Conlon Photo at Auction
One of Charles Conlon’s most unique images of Babe Ruth, one from the famous baseball photographer’s own archive and perhaps the only copy known to exist, is expected to fetch a big price this month. RMY Auctions is offering an early 1920s shot of Ruth showing Conlon how he grips the bat. On the back of the 6 ½” x 8 ½” silver gelatin image Conlon wrote in pencil “Babe … [Read more...] about Sole Survivor? Babe Ruth “Home Run Grip” Conlon Photo at Auction
Century-Old Photo from All-Star Gathering Leads Auction
Thursday marked the 84th anniversary of what’s generally considered the first MLB All-Star Game. The 1933 game did mark the first of what’s become the annual “Mid-Summer Classic” but big league players got together in similar fashion a couple of times before that, both for charitable purposes. A rare, original photograph from the 1917 game is leading off the RMY Auctions … [Read more...] about Century-Old Photo from All-Star Gathering Leads Auction