This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 5/11/2001.
This supersized and extremely rare framed, 21" x 49" team photograph of the world champion 1916 Brooklyn Robins makes it seem almost possible to get inside the uniforms of a team legendary in baseball-forsaken Brooklyn for being the last champions before the 49-year drought that ended in 1955. In 1916, the team still known as the Robins was regarded lightly before the season, yet they won 94 games and nipped Connie Mack's Philadelphia A's by two games to win the NL pennant, before polishing off the Boston Red Sox in a 5-game World Series. In retrospect, and the amazing roster that is resurrected in the stunning photo would seem to have been unbeatable, as it included no less than four future Hall of Famers: Casey Stengel, who played in the outfield and hit .279; pitcher Rube Marquard, who went 13-6 with a 1.58 ERA; Zack Wheat, who hit .312.; and manager Wilbert Robinson, whose tenure lasted until 1931. Those who only know Stengel as a flinty manager will hardly recognize him at the far right of the second row. In fact, more eye-catching is the hulking image of Wilbert "Uncle Robby" Robinson in the second row center, and even of a young man at the far right end of the back row holding a megaphone, through which he would bellow out each out day's starting lineups. The black frame is in most excellent condition save for a tiny bit of chipping on the underside of the left corner. The photo itself is crystal-clear and slightly sepia-toned, with visible damage caused by fold marks in the center and on the left side, yet the intense looks on the players' faces trivializes any damage and makes this photo absolutely riveting, for Brooklynites and all others.