CIRCA 1923

Iconic photograph showing Lou Gehrig on the cusp of immortality taken during his short lived stint at Columbia. He had earned a football scholarship to the Ivy League school with intentions to study engineering but caught the eye of New York Yankees scout Paul Krichell while pitching for the baseball team. His skills with a bat far outweighed those he displayed on the mound and he was signed into the Yankee organization in April of 1923. He would make his Major League debut shortly thereafter and join the club as their full time first baseman in 1925. The offered image of one of few period originals known of what has become one of the most recognizable showing "Columbia Lou" before he embarked on his now legendary career. Overall composition is exceptional with crisp clarity and art-like display qualities. In fine overall condition with some moderate wear including a few light wrinkles, a small tear at lower left, and an ink notation to one upper front corner. Tape remnants ring the edges on back which also bear a number of handwritten notations. An exceptional and rare photograph dating the formative years of one of baseballs' all-time greats. Authenticated and encapsulated by PSA as "Type I": GD