DATE: 1939 ORIGINAL or REPRINT: Type 2 Original - Printed from the original negative, but in a later period TEAM: Pittsburgh Pirates SUBJECTS: Doc Prothro, Gus Suhr PHOTOGRAPHER: George Burke APPROXIMATE SIZE: 3-1/2"x5-1/2" MARKS / STAMPING: Handwritten identification of photo's subject. Has standard postcard back but remains postally unused. NUMBER OF PHOTOS: 1 COMMENTS / CONDITION: Offered is an approximately 3-1/2"x5-1/2" real photo postcard of Doc Prothro, pictured in his Pittsburgh Pirates uniform circa 1939. The original photo was taken by George Burke in 1939, but this card was produced some time later (no earlier than the 1950's judging by the standard Kodak back). Comes from a large collection of such postcards that we will be listing over the coming months, all having standard postcard backs but being postally unused. Wear on these, if any, is mostly confined to minor corner and edge wear, but see scans for further details including condition. We do not deal in stock images or modern reprints, and all scans shown are of the actual item being sold. If you have any questions about a particular piece, please ask before the auction ends. BIO: James Thompson Prothro was born in Memphis, TN and died in 1971 in Memphis, TN. He played major league baseball from 1920 to 1926 as shortstop and 3rd baseman for the Washington Senators, Boston Red Sox and the Cincinnati Reds. Prothro was so nicknamed because he was a practicing dentist before signing his first professional baseball contract at age 27. In 1928, he became a manager in the Southern Association, then one of the higher-level minor leagues, leading the Memphis Chicks and Little Rock Travelers to four SA pennants through 1938. In 1939, Prothro replaced Jimmie Wilson as manager of the Philadelphia Phillies, perhaps the worst team in baseball at the time. In his three full seasons (1939-40-41) at the helm of the Phils, the club remained locked in the National League "cellar" - losers of 106, 103 and 111 games in successive seasons and winners of only 138 overall. (Prothro's career record: 138-320, .301.) Sacked after the '41 season (and replaced by Hans Lobert), Prothro returned to the Southern Association, where he piloted the Chicks from 1942-47. After he retired as Memphis' manager, he remained active as a co-owner of the club. August Richard Suhr was born in San Francisco, CA and died in 2004 in Scottsdale, AZ. He played major league baseball from 1930 to 1940 as 1st baseman for the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Philadelphia Phillies, and was selected once as an All-Star. On September 11, 1931, Suhr started a then National League record streak of 822 games played, which ended on June 4, 1937 when he missed a game to attend his mother's funeral. His record stood until June 12, 1957 when it was broken by Stan Musial. After quitting baseball for good, Suhr owned a liquor store. SKU: GB12750
Item: GB12750
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