This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/14/2024
John Tortes "Chief" Meyers (also known as Jack Meyers) remains a rather forgotten superstar of the early 1900s, and offered here is one of his finest images ever taken. As Christy Mathewson's battery mate from 1909 to 1915 with the New York Giants, Meyers was arguably the best catcherin baseball, helping lead John McGraw's squad to three straight National League pennants (1911-13). Born to a Native American mother from the Cahuilla tribe of inland Southern California, Meyers was one of the earliest minorities in professional sports and was constantly subjected to racist taunts from fellow players, umpires and fans. Yet, he took it in stride and demonstrated impeccable character both on and off the field. His 1911-13 seasons still rank among the greatest ever by a backstop, especially when you consider the low quality of catchers' equipment over 100 years ago. Meyers batted .332, .358 and .312 during the Giants' prolific NL pennant run, finishing top five in MVP voting twice.
This large-format original photograph snapped by Louis Van Oeyen, arguably the greatest baseball photographer of his era, pictures Chief Meyers in full catcher's gear preparing to throw. It has two horizontal creases as well as angled cuts from editorial use, but the image clarity is outstanding. The reverse has a pencil outline of Meyers' body with a Cleveland News stamp and two "L. Van Oeyen" stamps, one in green ink dated 1911 and the other embossed from the master's studio.
DATE/ERA: 1911
GENERATION: First (printed from original negative)
PHOTOGRAPHER: Louis Van Oeyen
NEWSPAPER: The Cleveland News
SIZE: approx. 8.5" x 12"
CONDITION: VG/EX
AUTHENTICATION: PSA/DNA Type 1 LOA