As it neared uncharted territory, Joe DiMaggio’s 56-game hitting streak provided ideal photo opportunities for camera men through the summer of 1941. Encapsulated by PSA/DNA, this Type I original news service photograph provides telling evidence of the fan fervor surrounding the incredible feat. Measuring 9 x 8-1/8”, the black-and-white photo depicts DiMaggio batting at Yankee Stadium. On the reverse, an “ACME NEWSPICTURES” stamping is accompanied by a caption sheet and “7-3-’41” stamping. More on our website.
Note: the stamped date (“7-3-‘41”) on the reverse suggests a July 4, 1941 publishing date. While that was an off day for the Yankees, DiMaggio had extended his hitting streak to 45 games the previous afternoon against the Red Sox, surpassing the mark of Baltimore’s Wee Willie Keeler to establish a new standard with every game thereafter. The opposing catcher in the image, however, appears to be a St. Louis Browns player, thus dating the likeness to June 24, 25 or 26 (the Yankees played four road games from June 27-29 before returning home).