Presented is a circa 1940s Sporting News Type I black & white original photograph that shows the sinker grip of Hall of Fame right-hander Bob Feller, from Van Meter, Iowa. "Rapid Robert" pitched 18 MLB seasons, all with the Cleveland Indians (1936-41 & 1946-56). At the peak of his career, when he was averaging over 25 wins a season, Feller missed almost four full years, serving in the U.S. Navy in World War II, a good part of his service time as a Chief Petty Officer gunnery captain at sea in the Pacific. Despite his service time, Feller still had a career record of 266-162, with a lifetime 3.25 ERA. Ted Williams said Feller was "the fastest and the best pitcher I ever saw during my career." Feller was a key member of the 1948 World Champions, and he pitched three no-hitters. Cy Slapnicka, the Cleveland Indians scout who signed Feller, said, "I didn't know he [Feller] was smart and had the heart of a lion, but I knew he had the arm the likes of which you see only once in a lifetime."

The offered photograph measures 8.1x10". The photo only shows Feller's right hand and his grip on the baseball for the sinker. The photo is very clear and detailed. A small piece in the lower right corner of the margin is missing. There is some minor creasing on the photo as well as a few tiny stains, and some tiny paper loss on the margins near the corners. On the back of the offering, in pencil by an unknown hand, is "Bob Feller/screwball or sinker/Sept 14 39." Also, on back is a stamp reading "Property of The Sporting News." The photo has been encapsulated and PSA Certified as TYPE I AUTHENTIC.

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