Original Type I rookie photograph of Joe DiMaggio that was later used on the front cover of the July 13, 1936, issue of TIME magazine. PSA has encapsulated the photo and certified it as "Authentic Type I." The photo, which was taken five days prior to his New York Yankees debut, captures DiMaggio in uniform as he strikes an extended follow-through swing at the plate. As noted on the PSA label, this is the actual TIME magazine cover proof used for the July 13, 1936, issue, which marked DiMaggio's first appearance on on a TIME cover. The photo has been affixed to a cardboard backing, located on the reverse of which are a "TIME Inc" credit stamp (indicating that it originates from the company's file archives), the original paper news caption, and a vintage handwritten pencil notation that reads "Used cover 7/13/36." 

The original paper news caption, dated "4/28/36," reads "Photo shows Joseph DiMaggio, the New York Yankees $75,000 recruit from the West Coast who is expected to fill the shoes of Babe Ruth in the outfield and who was the victim of an 'overbaking process' causing blisters on the foot, is shown at the Yankee Stadium before start of game with Cleveland Indians, as he resumed his hefty swinging after his brief lay-off." As the caption explains, DiMaggio suffered burns to his feet while receiving a diathermy treatment from team doctor Harry Jacobi during spring training. The unfortunate accident delayed his Major League debut by nearly a month., but the layoff didn't affect his hitting. DiMaggio opened his Major League career on May 3rd with a bang, going 3-6 with a triple and an RBI to help the Yankees defeat the St. Louis Browns 14-5. He continued his hot hitting through the summer and was batting around .350 when his image graced the cover of TIME magazine for the first time on July 13th. 

The photo (7.25x9") displays heavy editorial shading to block out the background images, as required for its use on the cover of TIME, as well as minor editorial touches to DiMaggio's image. Minor crazing throughout. The cardboard backing, which is of almost equal dimensions, displays light chipping along the perimeter. Accompanied by an original July 13, 1936, issue of TIME magazine.