19577

The Earliest New York Yankees Photograph on Earth. The Earliest New York Yankees Photograph on Earth

Currency:USD Category:Sports - Cards & Fan Shop Start Price:750.00 USD Estimated At:2,000.00 - 4,000.00 USD
The Earliest New York Yankees Photograph on Earth. The Earliest New York Yankees Photograph on Earth
<B>The Earliest New York Yankees Photograph on Earth.</B></I> One of the most significant pieces relating to the New York Yankees franchise to be offered in recent months, this remarkable photograph captures for eternity the moment that the New York Highlanders officially became known as the New York Yankees. As we all understand, the American League ballclub of New York had been known since its 1903 inception as the New York Highlanders, so called for their Hilltop Park home in upper Manhattan which stood, unsurprisingly, on a raised plot of land. It was only upon their 1913 move to the Polo Grounds, where they began a rather troubled timeshare with the New York Giants, that the American League ballclub officially adopted the name that is the most famous in sports today. Presented here is a simply amazing artifact dating capturing the pre-game ceremonies welcoming Hall of Fame manager Frank Chance to the organization on April 17, 1913. Chance stands smiling at center, with his new staff of ballplayers looking on at far right. At left can be spotted a couple members of the visiting Washington Senators, while behind him is a squadron of young ballplayers wearing uniforms bearing the notorious Tammany name of Boss Tweed fame. Arching above a gorgeous presentational certificate to Chance is an elaborate wreath of flowers that spells, "Success Frank L. Chance, The Peerless Leader, New York Americans 1913." Perhaps most intriguing about this exceptional piece is its enormous size for the era, measuring 11x14". This leaves us with no other option but to conclude that the photo was a presentational piece of some sort, quite possibly to Chance himself. There seems to be no other logical reason for the photo's vastness. The image remains in fine condition, though a degree of "silvering" is visible at angles to the light. Some years after the photograph was printed, it was affixed to a cardboard backing, which surely accounts for the absence of creasing or tearing as found today. The photograph is tastefully matted and framed to 17x21". Any true Yankees historian could not possibly allow this once in a lifetime opportunity to pass by, as a piece of which we could have never even dared to dream has arrived.