FS: Kansas City Blues 1939 Team Photo Signed by 24 Players Including Phil Rizzuto

[calvindog]

From Hake's 2011 auction:

"8x10" nice quality mat finish photo shows players in uniform on field at twilight and is titled at bottom “1939 American Association Champions”. All have signed in fountain pen ink. Players of note include: Hall of Famer Phil Rizzuto, Jack Saltzgraver, Joe Vance, Ernie Bonham, Phil Page, Vince DiMaggio, Johnny Sturm, Al Piechota, Marvin Breuer, Clyde McCollough, Billy Hitchcock, Johnny Lindell, Billy Meyer, Jerry Priddy, and ten others. Photo is by Baker. 3x4.5" area is printed a bit lightly, possibly from flashbulb exposure. All signatures are distinct and most are very bold. Fine overall. The American Association Kansas City Blues had one of their best seasons in 1929 and clinched the pennant with a 111-56, .665 record and became the Junior World Series Champions that year. The Blues became a farm team of the New York Yankees in 1936 and won the American Association Championship in 1938 and regular season titles in 1939 and 1940.

Short stop Phil “The Scooter” Rizzuto spent his entire 13 year professional baseball career with the Yankees between 1941 and 1956 with his best season in 1950 when he was named the American League’s Most Valuable Player. He would go on to a 40 year career as sports announcer for the Yankees. Billy Hitchcock, who signed this photo, gave Rizzuto his “Scooter” nickname. Vince DiMaggio, older brother of Joe and Dom DiMaggio, played in the major leagues for teams including the Cincinnati Reds, Pittsburgh Pirates, Philadelphia Phillies, and New York Giants between 1939 and 1946. Johnny Sturm played first base for the Yankees during the 1941 season. Billy Hitchcock played all four infield positions during a nine year American league career. Pitcher Marv Breuer played with the Yankees between 1939 and 1943. Joe Vance pitched parts of three seasons in the major leagues between 1935 and 1938 for the Chicago White Sox and New York Yankees. Ernie Bonham helped the Yankees win three successive American League pennants in 1941-1943. From the Richard Merkin Collection and comes with Hake’s COA and JSA LOA."

Price is $650 delivered. PM or email if interested.