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Lot # 138: 1908 "Merkle Game", Important "Playoff Game at the Polo Grounds" Photo, A New Discovery!

Category: HOF/Stars

Starting Bid: $100.00

Bids: 1 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "November Premier 2014",
which ran from 10/25/2014 7:00 PM to
11/15/2014 8:00 AM



The 1908 "Merkle Boner" is one of the most important events in the history of baseball. While the event itself is lost to history as no cameras were on hand, the playoff game at the end of the season was a different story. As the most anticipated game in baseball history to that point, 40,000 fans packed the Polo grounds and so did photographers. While all the images that we know of are lost, this new discovery helps us feel the excitement and heartbreak from the Polo grounds that day. The image is from immediately after the game on Saturday October 8, 1908 and shows the fans spilling on the field (a scene similar to what caused the Merkle incident to begin with) just seconds after the last out was recorded. Giants players are still on the field talking to a few of the reporters while the scene is starting to turn into chaos. A fan is standing along the fence holding a towel on his head (from an injury no doubt) and police try to keep order. Fans are storming the infield and others stand in disbelief in the stands at the events that just unfolded. The smallest details can be seen under magnification, trash on the ground, scorecards and newspapers in peoples pockets, even the smoke off of fans cigarettes can be clearly seen. A simple description on the back (along with circumstantial evidence)is all that is need to pinpoint the game "Crowd at Polo grounds N.Y. During Deciding Game". Photo is extremely clear and defined with some mild artistic framing for publication in the newspaper, otherwise it is in great condition overall. An important new discovery that might be the only surviving original photo from one of the most important games in baseball history!

Size: 5x7
Designation: Vintage 1
Condition: 4.5/5
Quality: 5/5
Overall Grade: 9.5/10

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