The Yankee Clipper was famously reserved, rarely letting his emotions show on the field. That makes this original photograph all the more appealing: a broad, unguarded smile from Joe DiMaggio, taken after he powered two home runs against the St. Louis Browns during the memorable 1949 season.

Few seasons in DiMaggio’s career were as dramatic. He had undergone surgery for bone spurs in his right heel the previous November, yet was still in pain through the first two months of the season and had not played a regular-season game. After missing 65 games, he returned for a three-game series at Fenway Park beginning June 28, and what followed became legend. In those three games he went 5-for-11 with four homers and nine RBIs. The resurgent Clipper helped carry Casey Stengel’s first Yankees club to a pennant clinched on the season’s final day against Boston, followed by a World Series triumph over Brooklyn. It was the first of five straight championships for the franchise. 

This intimate portrait captures DiMaggio in a moment of pure satisfaction, smiling fervently after a two-homer performance on August 6, 1949, at Yankee Stadium. His second blast in the bottom of the ninth inning walked it off for the Bronx Bombers in a thrilling 9-8 victory over the St. Louis Browns. The shot of Joe D's face is so close that you can see his nose hairs. That toothy smile radiates unlike any image we've seen before.

A facsimile of his name appears on the lower right. Condition is outstanding with sharp image resolution, a smooth surface and clean borders. World Wide Photos is credited on the verso with a nice paragraph description of this notable game. A warm and characterful image of one of baseball’s most iconic figures, from one of his most celebrated seasons. Encapsulated Type 1 by PSA/DNA.