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Lot # 1028: Circa 1954 Sandy Koufax Rookie Photograph - Earliest Photo in a Brooklyn Dodgers Uniform (PSA Type I)

Starting Bid: $500.00

Bids: 38 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "2023 Summer Classic",
which ran from 7/16/2023 7:00 PM to
8/5/2023 10:00 PM



Historically significant original Type I photograph capturing Sandy Koufax wearing a Brooklyn Dodgers uniform for the first time. As noted in the accompanying LOA from PSA, this photo was taken on December 22, 1954, which is the day Koufax signed as a "Bonus Baby" with the Brooklyn Dodgers. It was also taken during the same photo shoot that produced the image used on Koufax's 1955 Topps rookie card. Koufax signed with the Dodgers for the league minimum salary of $6,000, but he also received a signing bonus of $14,000. Because his signing bonus amounted to $4,000 or more, league rules stipulated that Koufax had to remain on the Dodgers twenty-five man active Major League roster for two full seasons; otherwise he could be claimed off the waiver wire. While it turned out to be a good investment for the Dodgers, Koufax's first two years on the bench greatly hindered his development. As a result, he didn't begin to realize his full potential until 1961. The wait was certainly worth it for Dodgers fans, however, as Koufax won 129 games over the next six seasons (1961-1966) and led the Dodgers to three pennants and two World Championships. The photo (4x5"), which features Koufax's name written in pencil on the reverse, displays a few small creases in the lower right corner and is otherwise in Excellent condition. Encapsulated as Type I Authentic by PSA. Also accompanied by a full LOA from PSA.

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