This incredible group of 33 George Burke 5x7 photographs were signed by 28 of the 1939-1940 Brooklyn Dodgers. Burke was a talented Chicago based photographer who diligently captured every single major league baseball player from the mid-1930’s through the 1980s. From the biggest stars to the one and done hopefuls, Burke’s lens captured them all, including the Brooklyn Dodgers when they came to Wrigley to play the Cubs. Led by their rookie manager Leo Durocher, this was the team that would take the franchise out of the cellar and win the pennant in 1941.
Obtained by a member of the 1939-40 team, the signed photos include Leo Durocher, Hugh Casey, Van Mungo, Gene Moore, Chuck Dresden, Dolt Camilli, Dixie Walker, Cookie Lavagetto, Chris Hartje, Al Hollingsworth, Tuck Stainback (signed “To Jim”), Mel Almada, Bill Crouch, Al Todd, Johnny Hudson, Luke Hamlin, Ira Hutchinson, Tot Pressnell, Pete Coscarart, Lindsay Deal, Art Parks, Fred Fitzsimmons, Vito Tamulis (2 different, both inscribed and signed “Tammy”), club secretary John A. McDonald, trainer Doc Wilson (2, both inscribed “to Jimmie”) and an unidentified team official or sportswriter. There are also five additional unsigned 5x7s including Babe Phelps. The photos and their signatures have been perfectly preserved due to their being stored in their original Geo. Burke photograph envelope.
Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Sourced from the estate of a former MLB player whose identity will remain anonymous.