Claude "Lefty" Williams was an integral piece to the 1919 White Sox puzzle, finishing the season with a stellar 23-11 record while helping the Sox win their second American League pennant in three seasons. Unfortunately, shortly before the 1919 World Series began, Williams was approached by Chick Gandil, ringleader of the conspiracy to purposefully throw the 1919 World Series, and was convinced to join the plot. Gandil offered Williams $10k in compensation and though he lost all three of his starts in the 1919 World Series, Williams only ever received $5k for his efforts. Following the grand jury investigation and subsequent trial in 1921, the promising southpaw was banished from the game for life at the age of 27.

Vintage photographs featuring Williams are scarce and this offering features an uncommon wide shot of the hurler following through on his delivery c.1918-20. While it remains a vintage example developed from the original negative, this example hails from sometime during the 1930's. Photo surface remains clean with bright white borders while verso displays "Lefty Williams" written in pencil at center. Authenticated as a Type 2 photo by PSA/DNA.