This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/8/2018
One of the great traditions in baseball takes place every summer at the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY. Not only are the inductees of that particular year on hand to take their rightful place in the hallowed "Hall," they are supported by a cast of past HOFers who sit on the stage behind them as they give their heartfelt induction speeches. Offered is a world-class autographed baseball that was probably signed at a 1940’s Hall of Fame Induction Day in Cooperstown, by some of the all-time greats of the game. Both the baseball and the signatures have survived the years in an amazing state of preservation.
The OAL (Harridge) baseball is in NM condition with a perfect, creamy patina and no significant blemishes. The 17 blue ink signatures average an impressive 8/10 in strength, having been safely protected from the ravages of light and time for more than 60 years. The sweet spot has been signed by Mickey Cochrane and Charlie Gehringer; a second panel features Chief Bender, Lefty Gomez, Ray Schalk and Ty Cobb; a third panel contains Lefty Grove, Everett Scott and a secretarial version of Babe Ruth that we suspect is in the hand of his widow; another panel has Billy Evans, Cy Young and an indecipherable signature; and lastly a panel that includes Harry Hooper, Ed Walsh, Tris Speaker, Wait Hoyt and George Selkirk. This is simply an incredible convergence of legendary autographs on a single ball. Full LOA from PSA/DNA.