This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/26/2011
1. Measures 6" x 7.5". A young Willie Mays talks with coach Fred Fitzsimmons prior to a game in 1952. "Willie Mays Fred Fitzsimmons" handwritten on reverse with Apr 6 1952 9:18PM '52 stamp and affixed AP cutline. Sporting News Hologram. (F0847)
2. Measures 7" x 9.5". Mays is pictured here on the left shortly after announcing he would retire at the end of the 1973 season and on the right prior to his first game in 1951. Sporting News Hologram. (F0847)
3. Measures 7" x 9". Here Mays is pictured robbing Ted Williams of a home run during the 1955 All Star game at Milwaukee County Stadium. "Willie Mays" handwritten on reverse with Jul 14 1955 date stamp and affixed International News Soundphoto cutline. Sporting News Hologram. (F0847)
4. Measures 7" x 8.5". Mays is pictured here with teammates Alvin Dark, Monte Irvin and Bobby Hofman near the end of the 1954 season. May 10 1955 & Sound INP Photo stamps on reverse. Sporting News Hologram. (F0847)
5. Measures 8" x 10". Larger version on photo #1. "Mays" handwritten on reverse with Associated Press Wirephoto stamp. Sporting News Hologram. (F0847)
This image originated directly from the archives of "The Sporting News" and was intended for use in its pages. Designated as a Generation 1 photo, this image was developed directly from the original photographers negative within approximately one to five years of the depicted person/event. In some instances, usually when a date stamp is present, the photograph was developed within a year or even days of the listed event. Photographers included in the collection include Charles Conlon, George Burke, George Brace, William C. Greene, Alex P. Silverberg, and George Dorrill. Some are identified; many are not but were provided by these world class photographers. Unlike standard wire photos, these images were often hand developed by the photographer sent to the Sporting News magazine. Therefore, the result is an actual first generation photographers print -again, not be confused with the more commonly found wire photo image. First major collection to enter the market of exclusive Generation 1 Photos.
News service photos are also included, and in those instances, are identified as such by their respective stampings. Acme Wire Photo, Associated Press, International News, and United Press have provided images to the archives. Reverse images are included for identification purposes. As part of the production process for the newspaper, images may show production notes, photographer's stamps, date codes, and other markings associated with the production of the Sporting News newspaper. In all cases, each selected image is of superior quality, subject matter, clarity, contrast and condition. Each image was archived by the Sporting News and includes the official Sporting News hologram, assuring its origin and provenance. Additional MEARS LOA included with each lot.
(MEARS Auction LOA~SB)