Card Statistics
Tony Lazzeri is presented in Helmar’s T3 series with the New York Americans in a compact batting pose, turned three-quarters toward the viewer with the bat laid back over his shoulder. The pale uniform, blue cap, and bright blue stockings create a restrained Yankees palette, while the numeral on his back gives the figure an unusual identifying detail not always emphasized in cards of this period. Behind him, the broad green field and softly rendered grandstand keep the composition open and balanced.
The original artwork was painted by Natalia Valiukavich in watercolor. She models the uniform with pale cream, gray, and cool blue washes, using stronger shadows along the back, sleeves, and trouser folds to give the figure weight. The bat provides a warm brown diagonal across the upper composition, while the blue cap and stockings anchor the figure visually. The distant ballpark is kept muted in brown, green, and gray tones beneath a pale blue and lavender sky.
Anthony Michael “Tony” Lazzeri was one of the key infielders on the great New York Yankees teams of the 1920s and 1930s. A powerful right-handed hitter, Lazzeri became the Yankees’ regular second baseman in 1926 and immediately established himself as a major run producer. He played on the famous 1927 “Murderers’ Row” club and remained a central part of the Yankees lineup through 1937. Over his major-league career he hit .292 with 178 home runs and more than 1,100 runs batted in, exceptional power totals for a middle infielder of his era.
Lazzeri helped New York win five World Series championships and was particularly noted for his ability to drive in runs from the middle of an already formidable lineup. In 1936 he became the first player in major-league history to hit two grand slams in one game. His combination of power, durability, and championship success eventually earned him election to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1991.
Numbered #117, the Lazzeri card adds another important member of the Yankees’ first great dynasty to the T3 checklist. Alongside Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Bob Meusel, Bill Dickey, Lefty Gomez, and Wally Pipp, Lazzeri helps document the club’s rise from contender to dominant championship organization during the interwar years.
Original watercolor artwork by Natalia Valiukavich.
- Description: Batting stance, bat back
- Team: New York Yankees
- Population (# Sold): 16
- First Date Sold: 2021-12-07
- Latest Date Sold: 2026-01-06
- Card Status: Active
- # Sold in past year: 1
- Highest Auction: $ 73.89
- Average Auction Result: $ 33.34
Popularity Rankings
Visit these teammates on the New York Yankees in the T3-Helmar series
Click the Card # link to go to Card Info, Click the Player Name link to go the the Player Biography
- # 16, Babe RUTH (HOF)
- # 63, Frank Crosetti
- # 86, Lou GEHRIG
- # 87, Lefty GOMEZ (HOF)
- # 103, Bob Meusel
- # 104, Wally Pipp
- # 111, Bill DICKEY
- # 121, Ray "Slim" Caldwell
- # 130, Wally Schang
- # 133, Lou GEHRIG
- # 140, Babe RUTH (HOF)
- # 151, Joe DiMAGGIO
- # 155, Bennie Bengough
- # 159, Waite HOYT
- # 163, Herb PENNOCK (HOF)
- # 165, Urban Shocker
- # 177, Joe DiMAGGIO
- # 208, Joe McCARTHY
- # 210, Joe Gordon
- # 220, Miller HUGGINS (HOF)
