Auction Item Details
Lot 170a
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Lot Number: 170a
Description: Scarce and very fine 1939 Inaugural National Baseball Hall of Fame Induction autographed baseball (Ty Cobb provenance). Between 1936 and 1939 annually, the inaugural rosters of (25) baseball players, managers, executives, and pioneers were selected for induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. However, it was on June 12, 1939 that the historic museum in Cooperstown, New York opened its doors to tremendous fanfare and attendance. Most significantly, on that grand celebratory date all eleven living members of those twenty five players were in attendance for the ceremonies. Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Walter Johnson, Cy Young, George Sisler, Honus Wagner, G.C. Alexander, Connie Mack, Tris Speaker, Eddie Collins, and Larry Lajoie consisted of the greatest assemblage of star players to have congregated in one location to that date. Famously, Ty Cobb was late to the ceremonies and as such many of the coveted autographed souvenir acquired on the June 1939 date are lacking Cobb’s signature. Offered is a superb exemplar numbering as one of the very few surviving autographed baseballs signed during those iconic Hall of Fame induction ceremonies. Light cream color Wm. Harridge American League baseball has been autographed by an impressive eight members from the 1939 Hall of Fame class to include babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Walter Johnson, Connie Mack, Tris Speaker, George Sisler, and Honus Wagner. The ball itself presents in beautiful unused condition with signatures ranging from 5-8 out of 10 except for Eddie Collins which has faded to 2/3. Fittingly, and yet equally uncommonly, Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb occupy the sweet spot and adjacent side panel displaying beautifully together. This particular baseball was originally descendant within the family of Mary Flannery. Ms. Flannery’s sister was Ms. Lou LaPointe who was employed as Ty Cobb’s personal secretary and acquired the baseball while visiting with her sister and Ty Cobb himself in California. The rarity and desirability of 1939 Hall of Fame Induction signed baseballs is of special note with only scant few of quality having more than 5 or 6 member signatures having entered the marketplace. Striking and scarce investment grade rarity. Includes LOA from PSA/DNA and letter of provenance from the Flannery family: Ball: NM, Signatures: Range EX-NM (Except Collins: PR)Estimated Price Range: ($100,000-$200,000)
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