Norman Rockwell & Umpires Signed “Tough Call" Magazine Photo PSA Mint 9 1/1?

Title:
Norman Rockwell & Umpires Signed “Tough Call" or "Game Called Because of Rain” Magazine Photo – PSA/DNA Certified, Autograph Grade 9 – Believed 1/1

Description:
Presented here is a remarkably rare signed magazine photo of Norman Rockwell’s iconic painting “Game Called Because of Rain”, backed on black cardstock and measuring approximately 8" x 11". This historic image is boldly signed by Norman Rockwell along the right margin and also autographed by the three major league umpires who served as the models for the piece: Beans Reardon, Larry Goetz, and Lou Jorda. All four inscriptions are crisp, varied in ink colors, and clearly legible, with each umpire adding a personalized salutation such as “Best Wishes” or “My sincere Best wishes.” The autographs are graded a 9 by PSA/DNA, and the entire piece is accompanied by a full Letter of Authenticity dated December 8, 2025 with certification number AS01698. This signed photo has been backed on black cardstock, preserving both its condition and display integrity. Despite its vintage origin, the photo retains strong visual appeal, with Rockwell’s detailed depiction of the American pastime coming through beautifully.

In 2017, the original painting sold for $1.6 million at Heritage Auctions, setting a record for Rockwell sports-related works.

Despite extensive searches across major auction archives, this is the only example we have ever encountered signed by both Rockwell and the three umpires featured in the painting. A lithograph signed by Rockwell alone sold at Lelands in May 2003 for $2,808.38. We have not been able to trace other signed examples of this image.

Historical Context:
Norman Rockwell (1894–1978), the beloved American illustrator, created “Game Called Because of Rain” (also known as “Tough Call”) in 1949 for The Saturday Evening Post. It depicts three umpires under gray skies deliberating over a game at Brooklyn’s Ebbets Field—a masterful moment capturing tension, humanity, and humor.

Rockwell based the umpires on real National League figures: Beans Reardon, Larry Goetz, and Lou Jorda, who posed for him in photos that helped him create this scene. The original oil painting now resides in the National Baseball Hall of Fame and is one of Rockwell’s most beloved baseball pieces.

Authentication & Encapsulation:

• PSA/DNA Certified

• Full Letter of Authenticity (LOA)

• Certification Number: AS01698

• Autograph Grade: 9

• Additional Documentation & Provenance: At buyer’s request, Historical Autographs Gallery will include an additional “Historical Autographs Gallery Certificate” signed by our company founder Luke Pascal at no cost.

Closing Appeal:
This is arguably the only known signed example of Norman Rockwell’s “Game Called Because of Rain” bearing all four original signatures—a truly unique intersection of American art, baseball, and 20th-century culture. Whether for the advanced Rockwell collector, baseball historian, or Americana enthusiast, this piece is a once-in-a-lifetime acquisition that bridges fine art and the national pastime. Based on all available research, we confidently believe this is a 1-of-1 artifact of exceptional historical and collector significance.

Shipping Notice:
For insurance purposes, items sold over $600 may require signature confirmation upon delivery. Higher-value items, likely over $1,500, are shipped via FedEx 2-Day with Direct Signature Confirmation. FedEx provides the most flexibility when requiring a signature, allowing you to make special delivery requests directly through their tracking system. This ensures both security and convenience for the buyer.