RMY Auctions’ latest offering for their May event serves as a veritable time machine, transporting us back to some of the most compelling moments in sports and entertainment history. This fascinating auction stars a variety of rare photographs, including a stellar black and white piece from 1948 featuring baseball titans Satchel Paige and Bob Feller. This glossy 7 x 8 ¾” snapshot is a piece of baseball memorabilia gold, having been used for Paige’s sought-after rookie card produced by Leaf in 1949, following him breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball with the Cleveland Indians.
The auction isn’t starved of other Paige charm either, featuring a rare Type I original photograph of this incredible pitcher doing what he does best for the Kansas City Monarchs. But the collection doesn’t stop there – offering over 900 unique items, highlighting a tapestry of sporting, news, and entertainment photographs, the majority of which are making their public debut.
Adding a historical veneer to the collection is a 1910 silver gelatin image of a sprightly, 23-year-old Jim Thorpe, captured through the lens of esteemed photographer George Grantham Bain.
The lineup continues to impress, showcasing a 1905 PC782 Rotograph real photo postcard of early 20th-century baseball star Jack Chesbro, and a 1934 picture of baseball phenomenon Carl Hubbell, used for his 1933-36 Diamond Stars baseball card. Unseen photographs of baseball greats Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig grace the collection, featuring iconic moments such as Ruth’s maiden season with the Yankees in 1920 and a high-tension scene from the unforgettable 1928 World Series.
For those with an eye for more contemporary pieces, this auction won’t disappoint. On offer is a 1972 photograph of Roberto Clemente achieving his 3000th career hit, along with a snapshot capturing Wilt Chamberlain’s triumphant moment immediately after he scored his record 100th point in a single game. Additionally, adrenaline-filled shots from Michael Jordan’s golden NBA era, clicked by photographers from the Windy City, add pulsating charm to the collection.
But it’s not all gravitas and intensity. A lighthearted photograph of Joe DiMaggio enjoying downtime in the Yankees’ clubhouse, and Ted Williams atop a zebra, inject a delightful and whimsical touch to an otherwise grand collection.
This wide-ranging and culturally significant assortment offers a fascinating look at the 20th century, appealing to a range of collectors, from those drawn to historical memorabilia to photography evangelists. The auction is now open, and bids will be accepted until the closing day on May 11, marking a climactic end to this thrilling visual odyssey.