This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/23/2019
The early Newark Bears are remembered as the greatest minor league team in the history of baseball. Their reign began when millionaire beer baron Jacob Ruppert, owner of the New York Yankees, purchased the team from the newspaper publisher Paul Block in 1931. The first five seasons under Ruppert saw the building of a farm system that eventually produced the great Yankee dynasty. The Bears' finest hour, however, came in 1937 with a team that many experts consider the single greatest in the history of the minor leagues. In 1937, the New York Yankees’ top farm team obliterated the International League in an overwhelming season-long performance. Utilizing a lineup that many said could have competed successfully in the major leagues, the Newark Bears beat the rest of the field by a record 25 1/2 games margin. Capping the season, the team mounted a singular comeback against overwhelming odds in the Junior World Series.
This beautiful 11” by 7” photograph captures the 1937 International League Champion Newark Bears posing together on the field. Each of the twenty members pictured has signed the photo across his image in black ink including Charlie Keller, Atley Donald, Joe Gordon, Buddy Rosar, Marius Russo, Oscar Vitt, Willard Hershberger, et al. Photographer’s marking, “Morgan 1937” is written at the lower right corner. Signatures range from 7/10 to 9/10, averaging 8/10. Photo has moderate wear and scattered creasing. VG-VG/EX overall. Full LOA from PSA/DNA (AG01405).