The world was different back in 1911. For better or worse, people were content with their station in life and accepted what fate had in store for them. It is hard not to like Louis Van Zelst, the hunchback mascot the Philadelphia Athletics, but at the same time it is impossible not to feel for him. He was dropped from his crib as a baby and was disfigured with a terrible hunchback. Rather than use it as a crutch, the youngster used it to his advantage and got job after job as a mascot around Philadelphia for college teams and ultimately with the Philadelphia Athletics. Convinced he was "lucky" he became a central figure on the team and would lead the players onto the field and players would rub his hump before games! Before his death in 1915, Van Zelst served for 5 years as the mascot of the A's, in which time they won four pennants and three World Series! He was popular with the players and a true member of the team. He served as batboy and also coached occasionally and kept the players loose. Here the Athletics take the field before their first World Series game against the Giants, led by Van Zelst in full uniform! While they would lose this one, their luck was sincere and they would win the series 4 games to 2! Taken by noted photographer George Grantham Bain, this is one of only three images we have ever seen picturing Van Zelst and this is a fantastic example!

Size: 4.25x6.5
Designation: Vintage 1
Condition: 3/5
Quality: 5/5
Overall Grade: 8/10