This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/20/2011
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Connie Mack didn't wish to part with Mickey Cochrane when he started to disassemble his team for financial reasons after the conclusion of the 1932 campaign, but he finally relented when his catcher expressed a desire to manage the following year. Mack sold Cochrane, the backbone of Mack’s Philadelphia A’s mini-dynasty, to the Detroit Tigers prior to the start of the 1934 season. The receiver proceeded to lead his new team to the American League pennant in his first year as a player-manager. Cochrane’s offensive numbers were impressive, but far from league bests. His .320 batting average was substantial, but he hit only two home runs, knocked in just 76 runs, and scored only 74 others. However, so overwhelming were his leadership skills, MVP voters selected him over Lou Gehrig in the balloting for the annual award, even though the Yankee first baseman won the A.L. Triple Crown.
Mickey Cochranes 1934 American League Most Valuable Player trophy, presented here in all it’s resplendent glory, is among the most visually impressive and historically important baseball trophies we have had the pleasure to offer. The trophy stands 25 ½” tall and boasts intricate design elements from the ring of gold laurel encircling the black base to the marvelously detailed 10” figural batter that stands atop a large figural baseball. Lettering on the silver pedestal reads, “GORDON STANLEY COCHRANE MOST VALUABLE PLAYER IN AMERICAN LEAGUE 1934 PRESENTED BY BASEBALL WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA.” The Cochrane family reports that the upper silver portion of the trophy was refurbished in approximately 1990, but no structural repairs or alterations have been performed. The trophy retains a superb vintage appearance with no significant structural faults. As far as we know, this is the only example of this style trophy issued in recognition of major league baseball’s league MVP award that has ever been tendered to the public. With consideration for every principle that motivates collectors of historical sports objects, this museum caliber baseball artifact represents the pinnacle of that endeavor. Includes a letter of provenance from the Cochrane estate.
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