This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/8/2013
In the throes of World War II some of the biggest living legends from America’s National Pastime were called upon to support U.S. military efforts. As a means to increase War Bond sales, a benefit game was held at the Polo Grounds in New York on Thursday, August 26, 1943. At least eight of the twelve then-living Hall of Fame members joined a host of additional ballplayers and celebrities in an incredible exhibition contest. The famous event will forever be remembered for Babe Ruth stepping to the plate to face Walter Johnson and taking the Big Train deep for the last home run the Bambino ever hit in a professional arena. The benefit game was an enormous success, bringing together a unique assemblage of baseball icons. This exceptional unused ONL (Frick) baseball stands as an extraordinary memento of the special occasion. Ten bold fountain pen signatures obtained at the event adorn its surface and read like a who’s who of Hall of Fame greats. A large Babe Ruth autograph appears on the sweet spot with side panels featuring Eddie Collins, Walter Johnson, Roger Bresnahan, George Sisler, Tris Speaker, Honus Wagner, Frank Frisch, Duffy Lewis and Red Murray. The autographs rate 7-9 overall. An area of browning on part of the Ruth signature is the only blemish on this otherwise clean and historically significant orb.
Includes a full LOA from PSA/DNA