August 2, 1927 - "Walter Johnson Day" at Griffith Stadium. It marked the 20th Anniversary of future Hall of Famer Walter Johnson's debut and the team showered him with praise and gifts during a pre-game ceremony. Among those gifts was a unique award presented by Secretary of State Frank B. Kellogg - the American League Distinguished Service Medal which, according to a Sunday July 17, 1927 NY Times article, was "especially created to honor Johnson." Among the other offerings that day was a silver tea & flatware set, clearly visible on the table in this image. Following the ceremony Johnson would take on the Detroit Tigers, the same team he faced 20 years prior in his very first major league appearance on August 2, 1907.

Photo appears to be just slightly underdeveloped and there is some staining in the center at bottom. Otherwise, this is an immaculate photo overall with just a tiny piece of the lower left corner flaked away. Verso of photo exhibits a hint of toning but is otherwise clean. Remnants of a paper tag remain, with a single notation identifying Johnson appearing in pencil over Wide World Photos stamping. Photo is fresh to the hobby and originates from the archives of Photo File, Inc. where it has been stored for several decades until this offering. Guaranteed Type 1.