Although he grew up skating before the age of three and playing with kids four grades above him, there is not a single person who could have predicted the magnitude of the influence that Wayne Gretzky would have on the sport of hockey. After just his second season in the NHL, Gretzky had compiled back-to-back MVP awards and broke both the most assists and most points in a season records held by legends Bobby Orr and Phil Esposito. With his swift skills on the ice and cool demeanor off the ice, Gretzky instantly found himself in the national spotlight such as his appearance on the cover of Sports Illustrated's iconic The Great Gretzky October 1981 issue highlighting "The Kid" as not only the best hockey player at the time but perhaps even the greatest athlete of his era. This Sports Illustrated 16x20 Oilers cover print/photo from Oct. 12, 1981, is hand autographed by Wayne Gretzky. New, Custom Black Frame with Custom Team Blue/Orange matting. WG/Wayne Gretzky Hologram and WG Certificate of Authenticity #043671. Signed and witnessed April 19, 2004. Limited Edition 22 of 99. Image of actual item in stock - as shown