Tastefully double matted and framed display depicting an American League contingent selected for the "Tim Murnane Day" charity game, held on September 27, 1917. Hosted at Boston's Fenway Park, the game featured the American League's best squaring off against the Boston Red Sox who trotted out 22-year-old Babe Ruth to start the game. The young Ruth, still a full time pitcher, earned the victory in front of a reported crowd of 17,000+. This precursor to our modern concept of the All-Star game was devised in an effort to help cover funeral costs for beloved 19th century Boston player, sportswriter, and icon, Tim Murnane who died suddenly of a heart attack months prior. The presented display features on original photograph, boasting much the Deadball Era's most significant and celebrated talent, matted above a strip of paper bearing several handwritten identifiers of the players shown. Authenticated by JSA, the handwriting is consistent with that of Walter Johnson who personally owned both pieces. Identifications of the players and other individuals pictured include:

Top row, left-right: Hughie Jennings, Walter Johnson, Stuffy McInnis, Steve O'Neill, Joe Jackson, Ray Chapman, Ty Cobb, Buck Weaver, Willie O'Connor (mascot). Bottom row: Howard Ehmke, Rabbit Maranville, Connie Mack (in suit), Wally Schang, Tris Speaker, Urban Shocker, Tom Raftery (in suit).

It is likely that these photos were produced only for the players pictured, and thus it is also likely that few examples have survived. Framed display features overall dimensions of 17" x 17.25", with the included original photograph measuring approximately 6" x 9". Includes both a full LOA from James Spence Authentication and a typed letter of provenance from Henry W. Thomas, Walther Johnson's grandson, which refers to his grandfather's sense of humor, explaining "Also enclosed is a piece of the scrapbook page on which Walter Johnson wrote the names of the members of the team. In a characteristically humorous touch, my grandfather inserted a question mark where his name would have appeared." A spectacular photo, with an outstanding grouping of stars - which, owing to the difficulty and expense involved with traveling for such events, is something seldom seen from this era.