Historic original Type I photograph capturing starting pitchers Eddie Cicotte of the White Sox and Dutch Ruether of the Reds shaking hands just before the start of Game 1 of the 1919 World Series at Redland Field in Cincinnati. This is the only example of this photo we have ever seen and it ranks among the finest 1919 World Series photos we have ever offered. An International Film Services credit stamp appears on the reverse, along with a few partial newspaper clippings, numerous handwritten editorial notations, and several date stamps, the earliest of which is "Oct 2 1919." It was a time-honored tradition for the starting pitchers in the first game of the World Series to shake hands as a sign of sportsmanship and fair play. In this instance, those ideals were lost on Chicago White Sox hurler Eddie Cicotte. Unbeknownst to all at the time, other than his seven co-conspirators on the team, he had already agreed to "throw" the World Series. Cicotte's price was $10,000 in cash before the start of the Series, which was delivered to his hotel room by teammate Chick Gandil two days earlier. If his acceptance of the cash was not enough, Cicotte had arranged a special signal to the gamblers to indicate that the "fix" was on: he would hit the first batter he faced. Cicotte proved true to his word, hitting Reds leadoff batter Maurice Rath with his first pitch. Cicotte's performance that day was predictably bad, as he allowed seven hits and six runs in three and two-thirds innings before being relieved by Roy Wilkinson. For good measure, he also committed an error on a routine double play ball in the fourth inning to help the Reds pad their lead. Ruether, on the other hand, lived up to his "ace" status, scattering six hits in the Reds 9-1 win. The photo (9.25x7") displays a few light creases and minor editorial markings on the front. Very Good to Excellent condition overall. PSA encapsulated as Type I Authentic.