This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/6/2022
Today the New York Yankees are known for their adherence to tradition – case-in-point their refusal to put player names on their jerseys. However, 93 years ago it was another story. That spring, the team opened the season at Yankee Stadium wearing numbers on their backs. A few teams had tried out the idea over the years, but the Yankees adaption of a permanent numbering system for their players finally led to all the other teams following suit. Instead of players choosing their own number, the first digits were assigned by the player’s place in the starting lineup: Earle Combs was the leadoff man, so he was number 1, Mark Koenig batted second and he was given 2, and Babe Ruth was up next and thus number 3. This remarkable photo was taken on Opening Day, 1929 as the Yankees took the field wearing their numbers for the first time. The Underwood & Underwood photographer realized the historical significance of the moment and managed this action shot of Babe Ruth warming up, the camera positioned so that his soon to be iconic number 3 is clearly visible. For the Babe’s part, he celebrated his new number the only way he knew how – hitting a home run in his first at bat! The photos show just very minor creasing with edge wear and overall toning. The back has the original caption slug noting the first appearance of the Yankees with uniform numbers. There are numerous stamps and notations in both pencil and ink throughout. The 6 1/2" X 8 1/2" photo has been encapsulated and graded a Type 1 Authentic by PSA.