Addendum: The 34 autographs encapsulated PSA/DNA Authentic from the "Dave Hill Collection” are in bold type. The other 16 are pre-certified by PSA/DNA.
The fifty ballplayers (51 total signatures; Fitzsimmons signed twice) here represent an absolute gold mine for autograph collectors. A late 1800's deaf and dumb star. The backstop who caught most of Cy Young's 511 wins. The most dominant power hitter of the dead-ball era, a decade before Ruth. Speaking of The Babe, how about the pitcher who gave up his alleged "Called Shot"? They are all here, and more. So much incredible baseball history lies within this unique group. Not one is a Hall of Famer, only adding to their mystique. With the majority either born in the 19th century or dead before WWII, most of these autographs are virtually extinct. For some, this is PSA/DNA's first ever encounter.
Most are signed on 3x5 index cards. Cut signatures are matted to 3x5's. Many have newspaper clipping images of the player for ideal presentation. And to top it off, dozens are inscribed with their team, years played, personal address, DOB, or personal message to the autograph seeker. The cumulative value of this lot, based on limited comps and sheer scarcity, is over five figures, presenting a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the most sophisticated baseball collectors in the marker. (See Dave Hill's bio in our catalog or Lots 164-179.)
Harry Agganis [1929-55]: "The Golden Greek" was All-American football player at BU; played 1.5 years for Red Sox before sudden death at age 26. 7/10 blue ink cut sig.
Moe Berg [1902-72]: The Catcher was a Spy. Ivy League grad spoke several languages and became CIA spy during WW2. 5/10 pencil cut.
John W. Coombs [1882-1957]: "Colby Jack" won 31 games 1910 and was 3x WS champ with A's. 9/10 black cut.
Harry Coveleski [1886-1950]: Older brother of HOFer Stan. Lowest ERA (2.34) in Tigers history. 8/10 black cut.
Gavvy Cravath [1881-1963]: Phillies legend. 6x NL HR champ. One of greatest power hitters in dead-ball era. 9/10 blue ink 3x5.
Lou Criger [1872-1934]: Red Sox franchise's first catcher. Caught 283 of Cy Young's 511 career wins. 6/10 black cut from 1929 GPC.
Jay Dahl [1945-65]: Houston Colt .45s pitcher killed in car crash at age 19. 8/10 blue cut from contract.
"Hooks" Dauss [1889-1963]: Tigers all-time leader in wins (223). GPC w/ long 8/10 blue note.
George Allen "Iron" Davis [1890-1961]: "No-hit no-run game Sept. 9th, 1914" inscribed, 8/10 black GPC.
Bill Dinneen [1876-1955]: 4x 20-game winner threw no-no in 1905. Umpire 1909-37. 8/10 cut.
"Paddy" Driscoll [1895-1968]: Pro Football HOFer (Chicago Cardinals & Bears). Played for Cubs in 1917. Fought in WW1. 8/10 blue 3x5.
Paul Edmondson [1943-70]: CG 2-hitter in 1969 MLB debut w/ White Sox. Killed in car accident in '70 at age 27. 9/10 blue 3x5.
Howard Ehmke [1894-1959]: Gave up 1st ever HR at Yankee Stadium, hit by Ruth on 1923 Opening Day. No-hitter same season for BoSox. 8/10 blue 3x5.
Benny Frey [1906-37]: Sidearm pitcher who retired due to arm injury and committed suicide at age 31. 8/10 cut.
Tom Gastall [1932-56]: Football star at BU. Died in plane crash at age 24 after 2 years w/ Orioles. 8/10 blue cut.
"Dummy" Hoy [1862-1961]: Greatest deaf player ever. 2,000+ hits. 7/10 black 3x5.
Ken Hubbs [1941-64]: 1962 NL ROY & GG winner for Cubs. Killed in plane crash at age 22. "Best Wishes always" inscribed, 7/10 black cut.
Sam Leever [1871-1953]: "The Goshen Schoolmaster" was career Pirate w/ 94 wins and 2.47 lifetime ERA. 6/10 black calligraphy cut.
Bob Moose [1947-76]: 1969 no-hitter and '71 WS champ. Killed in car accident at age 29. 5/10 blue 3x5.
Lefty O'Doul [1897-1969]: PCL star and 2x NL batting champ had .349 career average. 9/10 black 3x5.
Mike Joyce O'Neill [1877-1959]: One of four Ireland-born brothers to play in big leagues. Hit only inside-the-park pinch-hit grand slam by pitcher in history. 7/10 blue cut.
Charlie Robertson [1897-1984]: 3x5 inscribed "Detroit 4-30-22" (his Perfect Game) in 8/10 blue.
Charlie Root [1899-1970]: Gave up Ruth's alleged "Called Shot" in 1932 WS. Cubs franchise leader in wins (201). 6/10 pencil cut.
Dick Spalding [1893-1950]: National Soccer HOF and original USMNT member played 15 years of pro soccer. Spent 2 seasons in MLB. 8/10 black cut.
Jesse Tannehill [1874-1956]: One of the top dead-ball era pitchers and best hitting pitchers ever. Inscribed address and DOB in 8/10 blue 3x5.
"Dummy" Taylor [1875-1958]: Greatest deaf pitcher. 6-7/10 blue cut.
Tommy Thevenow [1903-57]: 12 straight seasons without a HR is longest ever drought (2 career HR both inside-the-park). 8/10 "Sincerely" blue cut.
Fred Toney [1887-53]: Pitched in 1917 "double no-hitter" game. Blue 3x5 dated "2/6/52."
Edward Arthur Walsh [1905-37]: Son of HOFer Ed Walsh. Died at age 32 after short stint w/ White Sox. July 1932 check cut in 8/10 blue.
Bill Wambsganss [1894-1985]: Unassisted triple play in 1920 WS. 8/10 blue 3x5.
"Cy" Williams [1887-1974]: 4x NL HR champ. Only he and Ruth led league in HR during dead-ball and live-ball eras. Played football w/ Knute Rockne at Notre Dame. 8/10 blue 3x5.
Heinie Zimmerman [1887-1969]: Led NL in BA, HR & RBI (allegedly 102 to Wagner's 101) in 1912 but not awarded Triple Crown. 7/10 blue 3x5.
The rest: Rube Bressler (9/10 blue 3x5); James Timothy Burke (cut); Howie Camnitz (cut, "Pittsburgh Pirates"); Bill Carrigan (9/10 blue 3x5) Nig Clarke (GPC 9/10 black note); Boileryard Clarke (8/10 black 3x5); Bob Ewing (holiday greeting card); "Fat" Freddy Fitzsimmons x 2 (blue 3x5 & red cut); Jimmy Ring (GPC 7/10 black calligraphy); "Pants" Rowland (3x5); Dick Rudolph (cut); "Muddy" Ruel (GPC); Dutch Reuther (9/10 black 3x5); Kip Selbach (7/10 blue 3x5); Joe Sugden (cut w/ note); Doc White (3x5); Earl Whitehill (cut); and Rudy York (cut).