Rare Circa 1911 Charles "Victory" Faust Original Paul Thompson Photograph - PSA/DNA Type I - John McGraw's Good Luck Charm!

Sold For:

$570

Year:

1911

Auction:

2020 Spring

Lot #:

1946

Category:

Original Photography

Rare original photo of New York Giants pitcher Charles "Victory" Faust taken by noted baseball photographer Paul Thompson. Encapsulated and certified as an original Type I Paul Thompson photograph by PSA/DNA. The photo captures the lanky right-hander in mid-windup on the sideline. Thompson's credit stamp appears on the reverse, along with the vintage handwritten identification "Faust. NY Natl." This is one of only two original photographs of Charles Faust we have ever seen and the fact that it was taken by Paul Thompson only adds to its significance. Charles Faust's rise to Major League stardom in 1911 and 1912 is one of baseball's most implausible tales, especially considering that he appeared only in two games during his brief career. The story began in 1911, when the 31-year old Faust approached John McGraw prior to a game in St. Louis. He informed McGraw, who was very superstitious, that a fortune teller told him that if he pitched for the Giants that year they would win the pennant. After a brief tryout, in which it was clearly apparent that Faust had no baseball skills, McGraw sent him on his way. However, the Giants won that day, and when Faust returned for another tryout the next day the Giants won again. McGraw, not wanting to tempt fate, allowed Faust to return to New York with the team. He gave Faust a uniform and had him participate in pre-game warmups, and during every game Faust would warm up in the bullpen, believing he would pitch. With Faust in uniform the club went on a major winning streak and the fans soon became enamored with the Giants' new "good luck charm." Faust's popularity even landed him a full-time vaudeville show, but when the Giants lost three straight without him, he quit the show and returned to the club. During the season, the fans clamored so hard for Faust to appear in a game that McGraw finally relented and let him pitch the last inning of two lopsided contests, thereby insuring that Charles "Victory" Faust's name would forever be a part of the official baseball records. As the fortune teller predicted, the Giants did win the pennant in 1911 and when McGraw brought him back in 1912 they repeated as National League Champions. Faust did not return in 1913, and two years later died of tuberculosis. Faust's story remained largely forgotten over the next few decades until 1966, when he was immortalized in Lawrence Ritter's beloved baseball history, The Glory of Their Times (Fred Snodgrass provides a lengthy narrative of Faust's career). The photo (5 x 7 inches) remains in Excellent to Mint condition. Reserve $200. Estimate (open).