This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/10/2010
A 6.5" x 8.5" Type 1 First Generation photograph of arguably the greatest right handed hitter in baseball history. Rogers Hornsby revolutionized the second base position by becoming a premier power hitter within a position not normally known for power. Along with many of the "Roaring '20's" major leagues power hitters, Hornsby was a beneficiary of the post-1920 "lively ball" era, where home runs were hit with more regularity. That allowed "The Rajah" to post an inordinate number of amazing seasons, including his great 1922, 1924 and 1925 seasons, where hit over .400 with tremendous power. This photo depicts Hornsby with a smile, something he rarely did on a baseball field. One of the games fiercest competitors, Hornsby Hornsby was as mean or meaner than Ty Cobb. This photo dates to before the 1924 season, as the original paper caption on the verso reads in part "Charles Ebbetts...made an offer of $275,000 for Roger (sic) Hornsby...batting champion of the National League." Ebbets made the offer in early 1924, but died in 1925 and never got his wish to improve his lineup. Verso also includes the "Pacific and Atlantic Photos" stamp. The photo includes a few minor cracks in the surface, and some horizontal rippling. An amazing photo of Hornsby, complete with an image very rarely seen. Letter of Authenticity from PSA/DNA.