In the fifth game of the 1956 World Series, after retiring the Brooklyn Dodgers in order for the seventh consecutive inning, Don Larsen was smoking a cigarette in the dugout when he said to Mickey Mantle, “Look at the scoreboard, Mick. Wouldn’t it be something? Two more innings to go.”
It certainly was something. Two innings later, the New York Yankees right-hander had completed his masterpiece. In achieving what is recalled today as one of the greatest individual feats in baseball history, an otherwise average pitcher earned immortality.
This official AL (Harridge) baseball was used in that game of games, a day of perfection from Don Larsen on October 8, 1956. The ball originates from the personal collection of C.E. “Pat” Olsen. Olsen’s relationship with the Yankees dates back to 1924 when, as an aspiring big leaguer, he was invited to the New York Yankees spring training. Although he never quite made the big league roster, he forged lifelong friendships. Pat Olsen gave up baseball after a few seasons then began a lengthy and successful business career. Throughout his life, he maintained ties to the New York Yankees organization, and his professional success afforded him the luxury of remaining as close to the game as any “civilian” could. In fact, it has been published that Pat Olsen held the world record for attending the most World Series games of anyone in history. Before passing away at the age of 97 in the year 2000, he witnessed nearly 400 World Series games over 70 years, and even had the honor of throwing out the first pitch of the 1984 World Series between the Tigers and Padres. His amazing streak was detailed in the 1982 World Series program.
The finest among the hundreds of pieces of memorabilia collected throughout his 70-year love affair with baseball is this ball which Olsen obtained in person while attending the post-game celebration on October 8, 1956. Larsen signed the ball for him on the spot, adding the inscription, “No Hit Game, World Series Oct. 8, 1956 (8/10) on a side panel.
Accompanying the ball are copies of a detailed LOA from C.E. “Pat” Olsen Jr., as well as a copy of a signed letter from Don Larsen himself confirming its source. Ball exhibits appropriate game wear, including light scuffing and minor soiling, excellent condition with outstanding display quality. LOA’s: Don Larsen (copy), C.E. “Pat” Olsen Jr. (copy) and PSA/DNA (auto.).