24 year-old rookie, Chris Hartje debuted as a September call up in 1939, and played just nine games (going 5 for 16) before answering the call of his country during WWII. His return to the U.S. and baseball found him back in the minors where on June 24, 1946, while riding on the Spokane Indians team bus, his driver lost control and hurtled 350 feet down the rocky mountainside. Eight players died at the scene, while Hartje succumbed to his injuries two days later. Offered is one of the very rare few images of the promising youngster, a 4 x 6" black and white. Taken by baseball's most accomplished lensman George Burke, it has his "Geo. Burke" stamp on reverse and is in EX condition. Signed in 9/10 blue fountain ink "Wishing you luck, Chris Hartje." Comes with LOA.