DATE: 1937 ORIGINAL or REPRINT: Type 2 Original - Printed from the original negative, but in a later period TEAM: Detroit Tigers SUBJECT: Gee Walker 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 Gee Walker, pictured in his Detroit Tigers uniform circa 1937. The original photo was taken by George Burke in 1937, 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: Gerald Holmes Walker was born in Gulfport, MS and died in 1981 in Whitfield, MS. He went to college at the University of Mississippi. He played major league baseball from 1931 to 1945 as outfielder for the Detroit Tigers, Chicago White Sox, Washington Senators, Cleveland Indians and the Cincinnati Reds, appeared in the 1934 and 1935 World Series, and was selected in 1937 as an All-Star. er played both football and baseball at Ole Miss and has been inducted into both the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and the Ole Miss Sports Hall of Fame. In the major leagues, he was known for stealing bases, finishing nine times among the top ten in the category. Gee - a fiery competitor and a clown - became a favorite in Detroit. His antics earned him the nickname the "The Madman from Mississippi." developed a reputation for being inattentive and overzealous on the basepaths. He once tried to steal a base while the batter was being given an intentional walk. During the 1934 World Series, he was picked off first while arguing with the Cardinal bench. On June 30, 1934, Walker was picked off base twice in the same inning. After Hank Greenberg singled, Walker reached base on an error, but was caught off base when the catcher threw to first base. Greenberg tried to draw a throw by running to third base and was thrown out, with Walker taking second base. Moments later, with Walker standing six feet off the bag, the pitcher threw to second base and Walker was tagged out. Detroit manager Mickey Cochrane was so angered by Walker's inattention that he suspended Walker for 10 days and fined him $20. In 1937, Walker began the season on fire. On Opening Day, he hit for the cycle. After his playing career ended, Walker was a coach with the Cincinnati Reds in 1946. His brother, Hub Walker was also a former major league outfielder, with Detroit and Cincinnati. SKU: GB12850
Item: GB12850
|