On June 29, 1941, Joe DiMaggio of the New York Yankees treated an overflow crowd in Washington, D.C. to a seminal moment in both baseball history and his own storied career by tying, then surpassing, George Sisler’s mark of 41 consecutive games with a base hit. The occasion was a Sunday doubleheader at Griffith Stadium that saw the future Hall of Famer tie Sisler’s record in the first game with a double in the top of the 6th inning, then break that record with a single in the 7th inning of the second game. DiMaggio would ultimately end his hitting streak at 56 consecutive games with a base hit — a milestone that endures to this day and one that will require a herculean effort to surpass.
Incredibly, the offered Type 1 photograph was not only captured on the day DiMaggio broke, then tied Sisler’s mark but it has also been signed by DiMaggio himself in blue Sharpie as authenticted by both PSA/DNA and JSA. Measuring 7” x 9”, the iconic photo presents exceptionally well with DiMaggio, the catcher, and umpire in sharp focus, appealingly framed by the sellout crowd of 30,000+. The photo surface is clean, bright, and free of creases with just a hint of wear to the corners. The verso exhibits scant toning along the edges and features a large, red International News stamp at center, with pencil notations at top. This photo originates directly from the personal collection of former long-time Baltimore-area sportscaster Ted Patterson, and we are thrilled to present it to the hobby here, for the very first time.