This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2021
Stan “The Man” Musial remains as not only one of the most likeable men to play professional baseball, but also ranks among the game’s elite hitters. Because of Stan’s quiet and gentle nature, it’s easy to overlook that “The Man” was a 24 (!) time all-star, a 3-time NL MVP winner, 7-time NL batting champ and wore three World Championship rings on his fingers. He was the first player to combine both 3,000 hits and 400 home runs, and when he retired in 1963 his batting average was .331 – a mark no one except Tony Gwynn has matched since.
This evocative portrait of “The Man” was taken by New York photographer William N. Jacobellis during the 1940s. The Type 1 photo was printed from the original negative with a few seasons of it being taken, making it a clean, clear first generation image. Jacobellis captured the reserved Musial perfectly as he surveys the field from the visiting team’s dugout. The image was later used for Musial’s popular 1952 Red Man tobacco baseball card, making this image even more desirable.
The reverse of the photo has been clearly stamped with photographer William N. Jacobellis’ New York studio stamp. The Type 1 photo shows overall light toning from age along with very subtle edge wear. The image has been printed with beautiful light and dark tones with the details razor sharp. A stunning and well-documented portrait of the Hall of Fame legend at the very precipice of his career. The photo has been encapsulated and graded a Type 1 Authentic by PSA/DNA.