This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 4/30/2009.
Jackie Robinson's had his most brilliant season in 1949; he was 30 years old, far older than most third year players in the history of the game. He peaked with a league leading .342 average and 37 stolen bases. He beat out the great Stan Musial, who hit .338 in 1949 and swept the MVP title. His 37 steals in 1949 not only led the majors but was the highest in the N.L. in 19 years. The Most Valuable Player Award plaque is given annually to one outstanding player in each league of Major League Baseball. This 1949 Jackie Robinson National League MVP trophy plaque was found hanging in the lobby of Dieges & Clust, the renowned specialist gold and silversmiths who have been producing prestigious trophies, medals, jewelry and awards for the Olympic Games, the Congressional Medal of Honor, the Heisman Trophy, the National Football League, Major League Baseball, etc., since 1898. It is an exact duplicate of the award given to Robinson at the time, with the Dieges & Clust" manufacturer's plaque on the back. It is a 16" diameter black wood circle with mounted metal octagon; on the perimeter in relief is "Kenesaw Mountain Landis Memorial Baseball Award." In the center is a baseball diamond in relief. On the top is a bronze 2" portrait of Landis with two engraved banners reading "1921" and 1944" (his reign as commissioner). Below this is "Most Valuable Player National League" in relief, below this is a bronze plaque engraved "Jack R. Robinson," below this is "Brooklyn Dodgers" in relief, below this is a bronze 1" baseball with crossed bats engraved "1949," and finally a 1/4" green & white enameled logo pin of the BBWAA, mounted on a small home plate. In overall NRMT condition with very minor scuffing.