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Early Napoleon Lajoie Signed Photo
Perhaps the earliest Lajoie signed photo ever, this 5 x 8" studio shot from 1901 tells how Lajoie impacted the modern structure of baseball. At the time, the very sight of Lajoie in his Philadelphia Athletics uniform produced paranoia in the NL, since Lajoie's jump from the Phillies to the A's that year was a huge coup for the fledgling AL. Nap lived up to his part, hitting .426 -- still an AL record -- with 220 hits, 48 doubles, 14 homers, 145 runs, and 125 RBIs, as well as playing a flawless second base. In retaliation, the senior circuit sued to keep Lajoie from playing anywhere in Pennsylvania in 1902, hoping to drive him back to the Phils. Instead, AL president Ban Johnson transferred his contract to the Cleveland Indians, instantly transforming that team and keeping the league here to stay. Thus, this incredibly rare freeze frame shines a spotlight on a young Lajoie who at 26 looks like he hasn't begun to shave yet. It also is a great look at an early "dress" uniform of Connie Mack's A's -- high-collared white shirt, an "A" on each side of the chest, white belt, dark pants and sweatshirt. Sitting a bit stiffly with his hands knitted and his hair meticulously combed, Nap has a kind of "what's this got to do with baseball?" look on his face. The signature is against the dark area of the pants, in an inscription reading "Compliments of N. Lajoie" in black fountain pen. While a little hard to see without direct light, the signature is clear and vivid, a solid 9/10 -- and on this amazing picture, a tremendous coup. Photo is remarkably NRMT and mounted on a 6 x 8" charcoal gray cardboard backing that is also NRMT with a small irregularity of the right border. Photo came directly from someone who was friends and did business with Lajoie.
Past Sports Card, Memorabilia, Non-Sports Card and Collecitble Auction Items
Other past auction items that may be of interest to you.
Napoleon Lajoie Handwritten Letter and Envelope
Napoleon Lajoie Miscellaneous Collection with Cut Signature