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Lot # 34: Grover Cleveland Alexander House of David Wire Photos (2)

Starting Bid: $300.00

Bids: 1 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed

Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "December 2005",
which ran from 11/22/2005 12:00 AM to
11/30/2005 9:00 PM



After compiling NL records for wins (373) and shutouts (90), Grover Cleveland Alexander took a step down to become pitcher-manager of the semi-pro House of David barnstorming team in 1931. While the House of David was a novelty act, their trademark being the long beards worn by the players, they actually played pretty fair country baseball each year at the amateur state tournaments - once with the great Satchel Paige (in a fake white beard) for a few games. “Old Pete” found a home there, pitching for the team until 1938 (and no doubt enjoying some firewater along the upper Midwest trails populated by Indian reservations). These two AP wire service photos document Alexander’s under-the-radar-screen stint with the House. First shot dated Aug. 8, 1931 (6 x 8.25”) posed a clean-shaven Alexander between 2 bearded players -- a caption on the back notes he had a contract clause for 25 cents a day for a shave. Second shot dated March 31, 1932 (8 x 10”) shows him conferring in the dugout with 2 other players. Both photos are EX w/mild bending/bunching and have the AP stamp on the back, with loose caption sheet for each.

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