For good reason, the New York Yankees have been the target of the camera’s eye throughout their eighty-year reign as America’s winningest sports franchise. These (163) vintage photographs visually document the team's unparalleled success. Comprised of original news service photos, wire photos and team-issued file photos, these keepsakes span the days of Ruth and Gehrig through the tumultuous tenure of Billy Martin. News service stampings, original caption sheets and editorial markings add to incredible aesthetic appeal! More on our website.
The photos range in size from team-issued headshots unevenly trimmed to 2-3/8 x 4” to a UPI telephoto trimmed to approximately 8-1/8 x 12”. Headlining the lot are:
1938 Yankees Coaches: measuring 9 x 7-1/8”, this original black-and-white “Acme Newspictures. Inc.” photograph portrays (from left to right) John Schulte, Art Fletcher, Joe McCarthy and Earle Combs posing on the top step of the dugout. This Bronx relic presents beautifully with a glossy finish. The original caption sheet is dated “9/27/38” and is adhered to the reverse, which is also home to an art deco-style “Acme Newspictures, Inc.” stamping that dates to 1931-1940.
1938 World Series: measuring 8-1/2 x 6-1/2”, this original black-and-white “International News Photo” shows (from left to right) Joe McCarthy, Eleanor Gehrig, Mrs. McCarthy and Lou Gehrig as they board a train at New York’s Penn Station. The attached original caption sheet is dated “10-3-38” and notes that the subjects were headed for Chicago to face the Cubs in the World Series. The photo presents beautifully and has retained its original gloss. On the reverse, an “International News Photos” stamping dates to 1933-1940.
Joe McCarthy/Ed Barrow: measuring 8-1/8 x 6”, this original black-and0white news service photograph shows McCarthy and Barrow conversing in the latter’s office. The original caption sheet is adhered to the reverse and there are stamped dates from January, 1941. A gorgeous survivor with original glossy finish and a tiny tear on the upper left corner (likely incurred during newsroom handling).
”Pride of the Yankees”: measuring 8-1/2 x 6-5/8”, this original sepia-toned “International News Photo” shows (from left to right) director Sam Wood, Eleanor Gehrig and Babe Ruth at a December 30, 1941 cocktail party, which preceded the shooting of “Pride of the Yankees,” a biographical film on Lou Gehrig’s life. Ruth, of course, played himself in the film. The crease-free and glossy photograph has its original caption sheet. On the reverse, an “International News Photos” stamping dates to 1940-1948.”
Billy Martin/Vic Raschi: measuring 8-5/8 x 7”, this October 2, 1952 wire photograph shows Martin and Raschi in a celebratory pose following Game 2 of the World Series at Ebbets Field. The reverse is home to editorial grease pencil markings.
1966 “Match Game”: an original 9 x 7-1/8” black-and-white photo of 1966 Yankee players (from left to right) Mantle, Pepitone, Stottlemyre, Ford and Maris flanked by “Match Game” host Gene Rayburn and an unknown television personality. All are smiling and gripping a baseball bat. On the reverse, a “Cleveland Press” stamping is dated May 24, 1966. This is an unusual Yankee keepsake from an unusual year (the Yanks finished dead last for the first time that season).
1983 Billy Martin: unevenly trimmed to approximately 7-3/4 x 10”, this black-and-white print shows Martin looking on as the Yankees hold on for a 1-0 win at Oakland’s Alameda County Coliseum. A caption sheet and San Francisco Examiner stampings are on the reverse.