This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/3/2020
While overcoming the setbacks of epilepsy, hearing loss, double vision, alcoholism and PTSD from World War I, Grover Cleveland Alexander was somehow able to compile 373 career victories and rank among contemporaries Cy Young and Walter Johnson as one of the three finest pitchers of his generation. Due to his troubling afflictions, the man they called "Old Pete" was largely absent from the public eye following his playing career. Although he was one of the "Original Eleven" inductees present at Cooperstown's inaugural 1939 Hall of Fame ceremony. In 1950 he passed away at the age of 63.
Fresh to the hobby comes this G.C. Alexander signed Official National League baseball, which displays as a lovely single. According previous provenance, Pete's autograph came during the 1928 World Series at a restaurant in St. Louis at the tail end of a Yankees sweep. Two of his Cardinals teammates, Flint Rhem and Hal Haid, have also signed the side panel above the red stamp of NL President John Heydler. However, neither signature affects the visual appeal of Alexander's somewhat faded but still very legible black ink autograph across the sweet spot. The blue and red stitched Spalding ball has aged eloquently with an even creamy tone, improving the eye appeal of Old Pete's John Hancock considerably.
Includes full LOA from Beckett (A25827).