This stunning collection of 27 team issued 5x7 glossy photos have been signed by 25 members of the 1940 Cincinnati Reds. Lead by an incredible pitching staff headed up by Paul Derringer, Bucky Walters and Johnny Vander Meer, the Reds won their second consecutive pennant in 1940. Those three aces have signed their likenesses, along with almost the entire World Series roster. Also amongst the signed photos is Jimmy Wilson, the 39 year-old Reds coach who was re-activated to take an injured Ernie Lombardi’s place and became the most unlikely World Series hero when he hit .353 against Detroit. The autographs on these photos were obtained by a member of the World Series Champs and many are inscribed personally to him.
Included are Hall of Famers Ernie Lombardi (inscribed “To my good Old Pal Ripple”) and Bill McKechnie along with Johnny Vander Meer, Paul Derringer, Witt Guise, Bucky Walters, Ival Goodman, Frank McCormick, Billy Myers, Joe Beggs, Bill Baker, Jim Turner, Jimmy Wilson, Johnny Hutchings, Lew Riggs, Eddie Joost, Whitey Moore, Lonnie Frey, Morris Arnovich, Harry Craft, Bill Werber, Mike McCormick, Milt Shoffner, Gene Thompson and coach Hank Gowdy. The 5x7s of Elmer Riddle and Willard Hershberger (who committed suicide in August 1940) are unsigned. These team issued 5x7s are much sought after in un-signed condition, to find almost a complete set signed by the World Champs is quite a discovery.
Pre-certified by PSA/DNA. Sourced from the estate of a former MLB player whose identity will remain anonymous.