Unique black and white 8"x10" image (likely printed in 1940-60s) picturing Ty Cobb seated on the bench in 1905 just before his first Major League game. Cobb has signed the front of the photo in his trademark green ink adding "4/18/60". The back of the photo features a lengthy handwritten "letter" to the recipient from Cobb with content regarding the image itself. Cobb writes, in part, "This is about five minutes before my first game of Major League, in Detroit, August 1905. My manager then was Wm Armour and he is telling me to go out there and be calm and not over awed by stands or crowd. New York Highlanders then Chesbor, a great spit ball pitcher, first time at bat, two based, help from above I feel even now, luck also. I was 18 years of age. Ty Cobb". Signatures on both front and back in addition to Cobb's handwriting remain very bold rating 9 out of 10. The photo traces its origins to the personal collection of Reverend Erwin Gerken who was a noted hobbyist of the period. The original envelope as sent by Cobb to Gerken is included fully executed in Cobb's hand with "T.R. Cobb" signature within the return address. Very unique Cobb signed item with first hand insight into his first Major League appearance. Encapsulated by PSA/DNA (9 MT): Photo: EX-MT, Signatures: MT