40th Anniversary-1973 All-Star Game National League & American League signed team baseballs.
The game was played in Kansas City at the then-brand new Royals Stadium. The mid-summer classic was won by the NL 7-1. Game MVP Bobby Bonds has signed the NL ball with a number of his teammates. A second ball is signed by AL team members.
BALLS PRE-CERTIFIED BY BECKETT AUTHENTICATION SERVICES
NL Ball
No. of Autographs: 28
Sweet Spot: Sparky Anderson
Notables: Bobby Bonds (game MVP, d. 2003), Johnny Bench, Willie Stargell (d. 2001), Pete Rose, Tom Seaver (d. 2020), Joe Torre, Billy Williams, Joe Morgan (d. 2020)
Ink: black, some blue
Manufacturer: Spalding
Type: ONL
Executive: Feeney
Ball Condition: Good
Signature Rating: 3-7/10 (due to fading of most, but Bench, Rose, Morgan strong in bolder blue ink)
AL Ball
No. of Autographs: 16
Sweet Spot: No signature
Notables: Reggie Jackson, Rod Carew, Brooks Robinson, Carlton Fisk, Rollie Fingers, Bobby Murcer (d. 2008)
Ink: blue
Manufacturer: Reach
Type: OAL
Executive: Cronin
Ball Condition: Good
Signature Rating: 3-6/10 (some fading but most good)
Provenance:
Ken Burkhart enjoyed a life in baseball, first as a pitcher with the St. Louis Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds from 1945 to 1949, and then for many years as a Major League umpire. Ken had an impressive 27-20 record on the mound in his years in the big leagues. After retiring as a player, Ken developed into a highly regarded Major League umpire, working numerous World Series games, All-Star games, no-hitters and other milestone games… too many to list here! All along his baseball journey Ken collected signed baseballs, signed team pictures and other memorabilia, most of which he proudly displayed in his home until his passing in 2004 at age 88. His family members have continued to enjoy these baseball treasures for years but have decided it is time to give them a new home, to be enjoyed by other baseball fans and historians. SCP Auctions proudly presents part of The Ken Burkhart Collection.