Opening Day Auction 2014
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/26/2014
Ol’ Pete Alexander was one of the greatest pitchers of the Pre-War days (that would be World War I), winning 30+ games three consecutive seasons from 1915-1917. However, despite winning 373 career games, Alexander is most famous for his striking out of Tony Lazzeri with the bases loaded in Game 7 of the 1926 World Series. This 5.75” x 7.25” Alexander photo was issued by the Chicago Tribune (he pitched for the Cubs from 1918-1926), and features a weathered look on his face, alluding to the cold weather and/or Alexander’s drinking issues. The reverse has “Grover Alexander Chicago Cubs” written in pencil and a date stamp of “APR 21 1921”. There are appearances of more pencil writing, but has been obscured by an original newspaper article concerning Alexander using this image. However, the date stamp on the paper is “JAN 11 1926”. It was very common for news organizations to use older file photos for current articles. The article speaks of Alexander’s getting ready for his 16th season, which last only for seven games in Chicago, as he was sold to the St. Louis Cardinals due to his continued drinking. It was in the 1926 Series which saw Alexander win games 2 and 6 (both complete games) and working his hung over magic in game 7. It was well known he was in the bullpen “sleeping off” his Game 6 post game drinking binge, when he was summoned to face Lazzeri. This image has a handful of crinkles, but the image is crisp and clear, revealing each freckle on Alexander’s face. A great photo of one of the game’s greatest pitchers, and authenticated by PSA/DNA as a 1921 Type 1 image, also used for production in 1926, the season of his greatest triumph. PSA/DNA, Type 1 Original Photo, cert number 1P04859.