Albersheim's 2015 November Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/14/2015
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 a smiling Kelly in his NY uniform measures 5” x 7”. There’s a faded Pacific and Atlantic Photos stamp on the reverse. Also on the back written in pencil from top to bottom is “Geo Kelly” “Nov 22/34” “April 7/32”. “33” is written in pencil in the top left corner of the back. This was most likely first used when he returned to the Major Leagues with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1932. There are some mounting remnants on the bottom of the verso.