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In 1915, Pitched for the New York Giants
WILLIAMS, AL (1895-1958). Born in New York City, raised in the Bronx. Graduated from Fordham University at the age of 19. While at Fordham, Williams was a star pitcher on the university baseball team. He did not escape the sharp eye of John J. McGraw, manager of the New York Giants, who went to spring training in 1914 and quickly signed Williams on the team in 1915. Two years later Williams entered WW1 to become a Naval Aviator. He was retained at the Pensacola Naval Air Station as an instructor. He later became a test pilot, and he developed many combat aerobatics. He was a important figure in the development of dive bombing. Williams broke the speed records of the time. He was an inventor and head of Gulf Oil Aviation Department. Al was the first non-German to fly the Messerschmitt 109. He was also a boxer who some said could make a living in the ring.
Gorgeous and very scarce vintage photograph, 8”x10”, B&W, oblong of Al Williams standing next to Charles Lindberg and Jimmy Doolittle. Boldly inscribed and signed: “To Peggy-AL Williams.” From the Peggy Rex collection, she was Mrs. Ralph Rex of Cleveland and Miami. She was a very close friend of Claire Chennault. Truly a very scarce photo, a historic treasure, in very good condition..................................$195.00
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