1951 Eddie Gaedel Tells Fire Marshal of His "Debut" Photograph (PSA Type I)

1951 Eddie Gaedel Tells Fire Marshal of His "Debut" Photograph (PSA Type I)

Original Type I photograph capturing Eddie Gaedel, the smallest player in Major League history. Gaedel is pictured leaning on a bat and smoking a cigar as he poses with the local fire chief. The handwritten pencil caption on the reverse explains the scene: "Ed Gaedel St. Louis Browns - 3 ft. 7" outfielder tells fire marshall Jos. H. Wirfs of his debut." Gaedel was part of maverick owner Bill Veeck's most outrageous publicity stunt. On August 19, 1951, Veeck signed Gaedel, a little person, to a Major League contract with the St. Louis Browns and had him pinch hit in the second game of a doubleheader against the Detroit Tigers. Gaedel promptly walked on four pitches and was immediately substituted for a pinch runner. That was the extent of Gaedel's career, for on the very next day American League president Will Harridge negated Gaedel's contract, saying that his appearance in a Major League game constituted "conduct detrimental to baseball." The photo (7x9") displays moderate creasing throughout. In Good to Very Good condition overall. Culled from the legendary Brown Brothers Archive. PSA encapsulated as Type I Authentic.

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