14-7/8x21-7/8” wood frame has 31-5/8x20.75” opening revealing wonderful pen and ink original art of Nap in uniform sitting in dugout dreaming about pennant race and hitting home run to win world championship and being carried away by cheering crowd. Art is signed at lower right in ink “From Life By Stanley-At New Orleans.”

Napoleon Lajoie ( 1874-1959) was a major league infielder from 1896 to 1916. He played for the Philadelphia Phillies from 1896 to 1900; the Philadelphia Athletics in 1901 and 1902; and the Cleveland Blues from 1902 through 1904. The Cleveland Blues, who would become the Cleveland Indians in 1915, actually named their team the Cleveland Naps in 1905 after Nap Lajoie. He became their Captain that year and went on to become their manager. He played with the Naps until 1914, then returned to the Philadelphia Athletics in 1915. He ended his baseball career with the Athletics in 1916. Nap Lajoie's 21 year career included: playing in 2,480 games with 9,589 at bats; 1,504 runs; 3242 hits; 83 home runs; and 1599 RBI's. A fan favorite, his lifetime batting average was .338. 

Frame has scattered wear around edges. Art has trace of lt. dust soiling with a small crease at lower left. Fine. Well-drawn and a wonderful image. From the Richard Merkin Collection and comes with Hake’s COA.