It’s one thing when you read about a player from long ago having a certain skill. It’s quite another when you can see it.
Luke Sewell was one of the best defensive catchers of the pre-World War II era and in our Vintage Photo of the Day from RMY Auctions, he’s hard at work.
In a terrific action shot likely taken in July of 1928, the Cleveland catcher’s cap is off and he’s diving into the back of Philadelphia A’s runner Sammy Hale in a game at Shibe Park. Hale was presumably caught in a rundown.
While the photo has a July 14 date on the back, the A’s and Tribe had played three games between July 7 and 9 and both Sewell and Hale were in the lineup.
Quality action photos from field level are rare from this time frame. Photographers roamed in foul territory during the action, hoping to grab a shot like this one.
The photo is one of dozens up for grabs in RMY’s current vintage photograph auction. Also up for bid are numerous baseball and football images that were once part of a newspaper archive. Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig and others are among those featured.
The 6 ½” by 8 ½” photo has a caption attached to the back.
To register for the auction or just take a look at some other vintage sports, historic and entertainment photos, visit the RMY Auctions website.
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