This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/5/2022
Of the ballplayers depicted in Lucky Strikes 1928 trolley car ad campaign, the majority were well-established stars. However, Philadelphia Athletics pitcher Lefty Grove was just at the beginning of his remarkable career. The previous season Grove had won 20 games for the first time, establishing himself as a young star. However, it would be 1928, the year this ad was produced, and the next 12 years, that made Lefty Grove into one of the greatest lefthanders to ever play the game. The year this ad graced trolley cars, Grove led the league with 24 games and would then pitch the A’s to three consecutive pennants and back-to-back World Championships. No other advertising piece is as attractive and more befitting of Lefty Grove’s exalted status as this Lucky Strike sign. The young phenom is depicted in a follow through pose, emerging from the dark background before the famed Lucky Strike logo. The unrestored piece shows overall toning with some surface wear, most noticeably on the top center edge, right edge, and bottom right corner. A dark stain partially obscures the first six letters of the “It’s toasted” slogan, though none of the condition issues can take away from the vibrancy and beauty of the piece. Professionally mounted and framed with UV glass, this is one of the most stunning baseball advertising advertisements ever produced. To read an article about this collection from Sports Collectors Daily, click here.