This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/30/2006
Jim Small was hopeful young prospect with Detroit in the mid-1950's. Along the way he was befriended by Tigers legend Ty Cobb who gave Small this signed photograph during the off-season of 1957. The vintage photo a generation removed from the original shows Cobb in the dugout with Tigers manager Bill Armour. Handwritten in the upper left border is the caption "1905 First Day in Uniform With Tigers" in reference to Cobb. Cobb's green ink inscription on the front reads "To Jim Small From His Friend Ty Cobb 2/6/59" (9/10). On the reverse is another Cobb notation in the same green ink reading "Just before my first major league game Detroit Aug 1905" (9/10). The photo itself is EX-MT with light glue residue from album mounting on the reverse. From the personal collection of Jim Small. Accompanied by copies of 1957 newspaper articles chronicling Small's relationship with Cobb. Photo measures 8" by 10". LOA from PSA/DNA and JSA.