This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 5/11/2001.
Elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1955 Leo "Gabby" Hartnett is remembered as one the games greatest players. Perhaps the greatest catcher the National League has ever seen Hartnett won several fielding titles during his playing days while at the same time batting .297 lifetime. He lead the league in fielding percentage for catchers a record four consecutive times, and participated in more double plays than any catcher since him. This stunning original George Burke portrait photo has been double matted and framed to an overall size of 16 ½" x 19 ½". The image itself measures 6" x 9" and Hartnett has signed "To our Real Pal Esther, Leo "Gabby" Hartnett, Chicago Cubs Dec 4, 1931. The fountain pen signature and inscription rate a strong 8 to 9, and are nearly unimprovable.