Ty Cobb Sliding Into Third Signed Photo from the Christopher Cobb Collection (8x10”)

Auction: December 2003

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December 2003
Ty Cobb

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Ty Cobb Sliding Into Third Signed Photo from the Christopher Cobb Collection (8x10”)

Perhaps the most important baseball photo ever taken. Ty Cobb doing one of the things he did best. It is undeniably the most famous action shot to come out of the Golden Age. With vintage 1956 inscription and signature to his grandson, which is additionally dated by Cobb himself, this beauty is worthy of a thousand words. This photo has become the defining image of photographer Charles Conlon’s remarkable legacy. He took photos of such legends as Cy Young, Shoeless Joe Jackson, Christy Mathewson, Grover Cleveland Alexander, Honus Wagner, Home Run Baker, Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio, Ted Williams & countless others from 1904-1942. His prolific life’s work has recorded all of the most unforgettable moments in baseball history to be handed down and appreciated for generations to come. And this is the crowning example of the work by the man dubbed simply and fittingly, “The Baseball Photographer.” The story behind this event, which took place at Hilltop Park on July 23, 1910 is a worthy tale in and of itself. As Conlon himself recalled the incident, one moment he was relaxed, standing off the third baseline talking with third baseman Jimmy Austin, to whom he was a close friend. Cobb was on second with one out and the Detroit hitter was trying to bunt him to third. As Austin moved in for the sacrifice, Cobb took off with the determination that he <i>was</i> making it to third safely. As Austin backed up to the base, awaiting the throw from the catcher, Cobb arrived with a cloud of dirt and flying spikes, taking out Austin’s legs from underneath him. Consequently the ball was overthrown since Austin hit the dirt. Conlon did not even know if he had taken the shot. In fact, he was full of regret immediately following Cobb’s stolen base because he thought he had missed a golden opportunity. But upon developing the film later, this fantastic image was produced and Charles Conlon realized that he had indeed snapped it by sheer instinct. This photo is attached to the most impeccable provenance, as it emanates from the collection of the legendary Ty Cobb’s grandson, Christopher Cobb. The inscription in blue ink reads, “To Chistopher, with Love from Grandfather, Ty Cobb 2/19/56.” Signature is very prominent, grading an “8.5” out of a possible 10. Verso with affixed authenticating sticker. Excellent condition with some minor professional restoration. Comes with LOA signed by Chris Cobb and Andy Madec of Madec Sportscards, Inc. This piece was originally offered as lot #107 in PSA Auction #14.