Pre-dating television and the current inundation from various media outlets, “Illustrated Current News” was a New Haven, Connecticut-based syndicate that published images and text detailing the “hot” topics. Available via subscription or at newsstands every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, the broadsides measured 19-1/8 x 12-1/2”. These (10) examples hail from the 1930s and are impeccably preserved! While ICN covered all topics, these particular pieces document Major League baseball happenings. Includes:
March 19, 1934: Lou Gehrig/Babe Ruth entitled “Baseball Big Guns In Action,” the item shows photos of Gehrig and Ruth taking batting practice during the Yankees’ spring training session in St. Petersburg, Florida. The caption reads (in part): “Lou says he’s all set to win the batting championship this season.” True to his forecast, Gehrig not only won the batting title in 1934, but the Triple Crown, as well. This vintage piece features an NRA endorsement and presents beautifully, with two very minor edge tears
July 13, 1934: 1934 All-Star Game entitled “American League All-Stars Triumph Over National League All-Stars,” the broadside showcases (4) images, including one of A.L. sluggers Simmons, Gehrig, Ruth and Foxx; an action shot of Frisch crossing the plate after a home run; opposing starts Hubbell and Gomez; and rival skippers Terry and Cronin.
April 22, 1935: Opening Day entitled “Batter Up!” the piece features (4) photographs, including: president F.D. Roosevelt delivering the ceremonial first pitch at Griffith Stadium; Babe Ruth launching his first home run as a member of the Boston Braves; an action shot of the Dodgers/Phillies contest before a sparse crowd at Shibe Park; and Cardinals vs. Cubs action at Wrigley Field
September 4, 1936: New York Giants entitled “Big Guns of Giants’ Onslaught in Pennant Climb,” the item features a group shot captured during the August 30-September 1 series at Chicago’s Wrigley Field. Pictured from left to right are: Joe Moore, Jimmy Ripple, Mel Ott and Bill Terry. This piece presents well but has horizontal and vertical folds.
September 18, 1936: Carl Hubbell entitled “Ace Hurler of Giants in Action,” the item features an image of the three-finger grip for Hubbell’s baffling screwball. Flanking that likeness are action portrayals of Hubbell.
April 30, 1937: Bob Feller entitled “Mighty Feller!” the collectible showcases five sequenced likenesses of the Cleveland hurler delivering one of his blazing fastballs.
October 11, 1937: World Series entitled “Bartell of Giants Robs DiMaggio of Hit,” an overhead shot shows action in Game 2 of the Fall Classic at Yankee Stadium. An inset image shows DiMaggio in action at the plate.
March 27, 1939: Joe DiMaggio entitled “The Mighty DiMaggio in Action,” a numbered six-photo sequence shows DiMaggio as he completes a catch and throw during the Yankees’ spring training camp.
June 16, 1939: Hall of Fame Induction entitled “Baseball’s Greatest at 100th Birthday,” the broadside features a photo of the inaugural Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Pictured are (seated): Collins, Ruth, Mack and Young; (standing): Wagner, Alexander, Speaker, Lajoie, Sisler and Johnson. Missing from the photo is Ty Cobb.
June 26, 1939: Lou Gehrig entitled “Paralysis Strikes Out “Iron Man”,” the item features a likeness of Gehrig and Yankees skipper Joe McCarthy in their 1939 Yankee pinstripes.