This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/8/2018
There is no other pitcher in the history of the game who has as much legend and mystery surrounding him as Leroy “Satchel” Paige. The lanky right-hander pitched professionally from the early 1920’s into the 1960’s, winning countless ballgames in multiple countries. This glorious black and white image captures Paige at the very height of his career in 1941.
At this time Satchel was coming off a two-year long rehab stint when his fastball mysteriously deserted him. After touring the western states with a second rate traveling team made up of Kansas City Monarchs cast-offs, Paige magically regained his fastball and was recalled to the Monarchs. It was at this point that Satchel Paige’s legend became known nationwide. Magazines such as Life gave him multi-page photo features and his every appearance with the Monarchs drew thousands of curious fans. This 8x10 Type I wire photo, taken circa 1941, shows Paige in his Monarchs uniform warming up before a game at Yankee Stadium and bears the back marks of Culver Pictures along with the handwritten notation "Satchel Paige with Kansas City Monarchs (1941)" plus a PSA/DNA sticker. The photo shows edge wear and the residue from adhesive tape on the back.
The photo has been certified as a Type I and encapsulated by PSA/DNA with a full LOA.