Our Vintage Photo of the Day is a classic and unusual image from the 1936 All-Star Game featuring Lou Gehrig crossing home plate after a home run. Offered in RMY Auctions’ January sale, the 7×9” news service photo was taken at Braves Field where 25,556 fans turned out to watch Gehrig and the American League stars battle the National Leaguers.
MLB’s fourth mid-summer classic was all National until the seventh inning when Gehrig unloaded a solo homer to lead off. The photo, apparently taken from press box or perhaps the stadium roof, catches a glimpse of Gehrig’s dimpled smile as he glides across home, in front of catcher Gabby Hartnett and home plate umpire Bill Summers.
“ The clarity, use of shadows, and the subject matter make this one of the best Gehrig images we have ever owned and it would fit into even the most advanced collection,” reads the listing.
Opposing pitchers Dizzy Dean and Lefty Grove were long gone when Gehrig came to the plate against Curt Davis. His homer started a three-run American League rally, but Lon Warneke shut the door and the NL held on for a 4-3 victory on a sunny summer day.
Bidding for this photo—and more than 100 other classic sports and historical images—continues until January 14 at RMYAuctions.com.
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