1912 Detroit Tigers Navin Field Opening Day Postcard with Ty Cobb SGC POOR 1

Sold For:

$450

Year:

1912

Auction:

2023 January

Lot #:

801

Category:

Prewar Baseball - 1910s and 1920s Cards

Graded POOR 1 by SGC (submitted by REA). Color postcard picturing the opening-day ceremonies at Navin Field prior to the historic first game on April 20, 1912. (It is interesting to note that Fenway Park opened the same day.) The photo captures the members of the club, including Ty Cobb, lined up along the outfield wall as the team flag is raised. The printed caption along the top border reads "Detroit Baseball Team having a Flag Day at the Season's Opening, Detroit. Mich." The reverse of the postcard has been filled out and addressed. It was mailed and bears a September 7, 1915 postmark. The photo can be conclusively attributed to the dedication of Navin Field on April 20, 1912, because the very same image appears in The Detroit News archives, with a caption depicting the events on this postcard. The postcard (5.5 x 3.5 inches) displays a heavy crease in the lowe right (when held horizontally as intended) and moderate wear on the corners. The grade accounts for the writing on the reverse but it should be noted that the card has an overall appearance of Vg. Reserve $10.