Auction Item Details
Lot 27
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Lot Number: 27
Description: Historically significant May 25, 1947 Jackie and Rachel Robinson autographed scorebook from Robinson's First Ebbetts Field Home Run: "The Breakthrough Game" (PSA/DNA). Original Spalding bound scorebook dating to May through August of 1947 chronicling a number of New York Yankees, New York Giants, and Brooklyn Dodgers games. Included within the scorebook are several notable contests and milestone games one of which was Jackie Robinson's first home run at Ebbetts Field on May 25, 1947. The game was played between the Brooklyn Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies with the scoring page for the Dodgers having been signed by both Jackie and Rachel Robinson in blue ink. Signature remain very bold rating 8/9 out of 10 with Jackie adding "Best Wishes" inscription. The scorebook was impeccably scored with neatly printed penmanship and related games notes at bottom margins as in the case of the May 25th game for Jackie's Home Run. The game was noted in the period as significant as Robinson had finally begin to settle in after the understandably tumultuous first 40 days in MLB facing threats and constant scrutiny. As brilliantly noted by author William Nack for Sports Illustrated in 1997, "By May 25, with the first extended road trip behind him and the novelty of his presence on the wane, Robinson was sensing what he later called a "new confidence" in his game." In the eighth inning, against the Phillies who were among the worst offenders having battered Robinson with insults for the first two months of the season, Jackie belted a shot into the left field seats for his first HR at Ebbetts Field (2nd career HR). "Like something out of Louis Armstrong's trumpet." remarked Dick Young for the NY Daily News. The mark of that particular game in Robinson's career interestingly adding due significance to the fact that both he and Rachel signed the aforementioned scoring page. The remainder of the book contains several other pages/items of interest to include: 1) 5/24/1947 Phillies. vs. Dodgers game scored pages noting "HP" for Robinson who was beaned on several occasions by pitchers during the early part of his career; 2) 7/2/1947 Cardinals vs. Dodgers game scored pages which ended in protest over disputed Northey home run; 3) Cardinals vs. Dodgers game scored pages for the replay of protested 7/2 game including ticket stub for the game (affixed with tape). Scorebook is missing front cover and has general handling wear with most pages remaining in excellent condition. Interesting and historic period scorebook serving as a likely unique signed medium for Jackie and Rachel Robinson. Includes full LOA from PSA/DNA: Scorebook: VG-EX, Signatures: NM-NM/MTEstimated Price Range: ($15,000-$25,000)
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