DATE: 1939-40 ORIGINAL or REPRINT: Type 2 Original - Printed from the original negative, but in a later period TEAM: Cleveland Indians SUBJECT: Ski Melillo PHOTOGRAPHER: George Burke APPROXIMATE SIZE: 3-1/2"x5-1/2" MARKS / STAMPING: Handwritten identification of photo's subject. Has standard postcard back but remains postally unused. NUMBER OF PHOTOS: 1 COMMENTS / CONDITION: Offered is an approximately 3-1/2"x5-1/2" real photo postcard of Ski Melillo, pictured in his Cleveland Indians uniform circa 1939-40. The original photo was taken by George Burke in 1939-40, but this card was produced some time later (no earlier than the 1950's judging by the standard Kodak back). Comes from a large collection of such postcards that we will be listing over the coming months, all having standard postcard backs but being postally unused. Wear on these, if any, is mostly confined to minor corner and edge wear, but see scans for further details including condition. We do not deal in stock images or modern reprints, and all scans shown are of the actual item being sold. If you have any questions about a particular piece, please ask before the auction ends. BIO: Oscar Donald Melillo (Spinach) was born in Chicago, IL and died in 963 in Chicago, IL. He played major league baseball from 926 to 937 as infielder for the St. Louis Browns and the Boston Red Sox. Following his playing retirement, Melillo had his only chance to manage at major league level when he became a late-season replacement for Gabby Street as manager of the Browns in 938. Melillo finished with a 2-7 mark (.222). He later served as a coach for the Cleveland Indians for several years under Oscar Vitt and Lou Boudreau, including the 948 team, which won the American League pennant, and also coached under Boudreau with the Red Sox and Athletics. Because his career and his life were threatened by Bright's disease, an often fatal kidney inflammation, Melillo immediately followed a doctor's advice and began a prescribed diet of spinach, and nothing but spinach, until cured. He also suffered from Zoophobia, a generic term form the class of specific phobias to particular animals, including rabbits, birds and snakes. His animal phobia led to many pranks from both opposing players and teammates. It is chronicled in Elden Auker's book Sleeper Cars and Flannel Uniforms. SKU: GB11117
Item: GB11117
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