He isn’t nearly as famous as his big brother Ed—nor did he have the demons that led to Big Ed’s early death—but Jim Delahanty was a big leaguer too. And a pretty good one. Good enough to pay a visit to Carl Horner’s studio—the same place where the photograph of Honus Wagner was taken. An original copy of that photo, dating back 112 years, is the RMY Auctions’ Photo of the … [Read more...]
Photo of the Day: Greenberg Gets Gehrig
Three of the FBI’s most wanted criminals had been gunned down by federal agents weeks earlier. Stopping John Dillinger and Bonnie and Clyde seemed easier than getting Lou Gehrig out that summer. The Yankees’ slugging first baseman was on his way to the Triple Crown but on August 14, 1934, a camera captured not only a rare Gehrig infield out—but three Hall of Famers in one … [Read more...]
Photo of the Day: Fan Who Caught Maris’ 61st Homer
One of the most famous catches in baseball history wasn’t made by a player. It happened nearly 55 years ago at Yankee Stadium. Sal Durante, a 19-year-old fan, was seated in the right field bleachers at Yankee Stadium on Sunday, October 1, 1961 when Roger Maris stepped in to face Red Sox pitcher Tracy Stallard. Sitting on 60 home runs for the season and no more games on the … [Read more...]
1924 World Baseball Tour Photo at Auction
Well, it was a nice vacation if nothing else. That probably was the prevailing sentiment among the players, coaches and managers on the 1924 World Baseball Tour. While they weren’t exactly a big drawing card in Europe, members of a couple of big league teams did leave some great memorabilia for future generations here in North America. One of those pieces, a 4 1/2” x 9 … [Read more...]
Photo of the Day: The Babe Arrives at Camp
Babe Ruth reported for spring training a month after his 39th birthday with an idea that his time as an active player was winding down. Our Photo of the Day from RMY Auctions is from The Babe’s last arrival in Florida as a member of the New York Yankees. The rare image offers insight into Ruth’s status as the most important sports figure of the era, the center of attention … [Read more...]
Photo of Ruth in Yankees’ 1st World Series Appearance
Babe Ruth was already paying major dividends for the New York Yankees by the time the 1921 World Series rolled around. His acquisition from Boston and the death of the deadball era put baseball on a new course and Ruth began making headlines coast-to-coast. He belted 59 homers during the regular season, driving in 168 runs. But the World Series? Well, that was something … [Read more...]
1924 Yankees Team Photo Shows Young Gehrig
He wasn’t quite ready. Signed out of Columbia University, Lou Gehrig made his major league debut in 1923. The following spring, Gehrig spent spring training with the Yankees in New Orleans and rode the train north for exhibition games in New York just prior to the start of the regular season. He wouldn’t be there on Opening Day. Gehrig spent all but the final weeks of … [Read more...]
Earliest Photo of a Knuckleball?
A newly uncovered photograph now up for auction seems to bring a new name into the discussion about the earliest knuckleball pitchers. That conversation always seems to start with Eddie Cicotte as the inventor—and he may be just that--but RMY Auctions is offering a 6x8” news photograph from 1908 showing a young Pittsburgh Pirates prospect with a grip that may be the first … [Read more...]
Photo of the Day: Babe Ruth Close Up Ahead of Monster Year
You know the famous swing, but close up photos of Babe Ruth’s face aren’t that common. Just days after it opened for bidding, it’s clear what collectors think of a rare image of Babe Ruth in the latter third of his career. In cooperation with RMY Auctions, our Vintage Photo of the Day is this rare, original portrait image of baseball’s unquestioned king. The years have … [Read more...]
Photo of the Day: Fans Cheer DiMaggio During Streak
It had started back on May 15. In July, it was still going. Joe DiMaggio’s hitting streak captured the nation’s attention and as it grew, fans sat on the edges of seats until it was extended, whether they were in the ballpark or listening to live radio broadcasts or sports reports. When it approached 50 game, attention and attendance grew. This rare photograph, taken … [Read more...]