JULY 19TH AUCTION
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/20/2013
Called “The Beast” because of his impressive physique (one opposing pitcher complained that even his hair had muscles) Jimmie Foxx was one of the most feared sluggers of the 1930’s. An integral part of Connie Mack’s 1929-1931 Philadelphia A’s, often called the greatest team of all-time, “Double X” was traded to Boston in 1936. The blockbuster trade was expected to push the Red Sox out of the second division, but despite Foxx’s Hall of Fame numbers, remained mired in the cellar. This George Burke photograph, taken at Comiskey Park either in 1936 or 1937, perfectly captures why Foxx was called “The Beast”. Sleeves roughly torn away to expose his biceps, upper torso coiled and ready to unleash its frightful power, face strained with concentration, it is one of the best shots ever taken of Jimmie Foxx. The vintage George Burke print has a beautiful warm coloring from age, rounded corners and the back is marked with the usual studio markings “GEO. BURKE 847 BELMONT AVE. CHICAGO” and the typewriter written notation at the top “246 FOXX, Jimmy A1”. While this original Burke print of Foxx is something special on its own, what’s more is this beautiful print has been signed in blue pen by the Hall of Famer with the notation “Joe, you are a real fellow. The best to you always.” Foxx passed away in 1967 at the early age of 59, thus leaving precious few signed 8x10’s in circulation. This has to be one of the finest. Letter of Authenticity from PSA/DNA who have graded this signed photo a 9.