Albersheim's 2015 June Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/7/2015
George Lange Kelly, nicknamed "Long George" and "High Pockets", was a Major League Baseball first baseman who played most of his MLB career for the New York Giants (1915–1917, 1919–1926), but also played for the Pittsburgh Pirates (1917), Cincinnati Reds (1927–1930), Chicago Cubs (1930), and Brooklyn Dodgers (1932).
Kelly is a two-time World Series champion (1921 and 1922). He led the National League in home runs once (1921) and runs batted in twice (1920 and 1924), and was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1973. However, his selection is regarded as controversial, as many believe he is undeserving of the recognition and was only elected by the Veterans Committee because it consisted of his former teammates. Kelly's brother, Ren Kelly, uncle, Bill Lange, and cousin, Rich Chiles, also played in MLB.
This original photo of Kelly stretching to hold the base while waiting for a throw measures 10” x 8”. An Associated Press stamp circa 1931-41 is on the reverse (although we believe this was first used in 1931-32) and in pencil is written “Geo Kelly.” Former paper caption detached from the back, but some of the original paper remains.