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One of the Earliest Known Professional Baseball Photographs of Joe DiMaggio (PSA Type IV)
Joe DiMaggio played the most glamorous position (center field) for the most glamorous team of his era (the New York Yankees) in the most glamorous baseball city of America (New York City). Later, he married the most glamorous movie star of his time - Marilyn Monroe. Hall of Famer Joe DiMaggio became, and remains, larger than life. But Joltin' Joe wasn't always a glamorous star among stars. Offered is one of the earliest known photos of Joe DiMaggio as a professional player, a Type IV International News photo of DiMaggio taken in 1934 before Joe DiMaggio was a national phenomenon, when Joe played for the minor league San Francisco Seals in the Pacific Coast League. The Yankee Clipper started out his professional baseball career at only 17 years of age as he played in three games for his hometown San Francisco Seals. He began regular play for the Seals in 1933 and by 1934 was a star, hitting .341, with 12 homers. In 1935, his final season with San Francisco, DiMaggio was amazing as he hit .398 with 34 home runs, and by 1936, Joe was a rookie with the Yankees. DiMaggio became a 3-time American league MVP, was a 2-time batting average champ, a 13-time All-Star, and helped the Yankees to nine World Championships. DiMaggio also hit 361 home runs; all of his stats accomplished despite missing three seasons of his prime years while in service with the U.S. Military during World War II. In 1941, he set the all-time consecutive game hitting streak record by hitting in 56 straight games. The photo measures 6.5x8.25". On the back of the photo is written in pencil, in an unknown hand, "1117801/November 1934/ San Francisco Seals Bosses & their Outfielder Joe Di Maggio. L. to R. Chas H. 'Doc' Strub, Di Maggio, Chas. Graham, V.P. of the Seals, and Seals manager Ike Caveney." The back of the photo also contains a note, in ink, apparently from an editor, reading, "569/use fairly small. If it doesn't fit, don't use it." The photo has been encapsulated and graded PSA Type IV Authentic. It is a great collectible, as an early image of an American idol.
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