Fred Merkle’s major league career spanned twenty years. Not bad for a player whose fundamental error cost the New York Giants the pennant in 1908. He was all but run out of town that year. However, his good character took over and the fans eventually forgave him. A top rated first baseman, Fred remained with the Giants for ten years. After leaving the Giants in 1916 he played a mere 25 games with the Brooklyn Robbins. That was just enough time to be snapped in his batting stance wearing the famed checkered flannels. Rare indeed and in awesome condition. International News Credits and the full story of his grave error in type on the backside.