This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/15/2008
Kansas-born Johnson was the AL's premier pitcher in his day, although he played the whole of his career for the lowly Senators. Not an overnight success, it wasn't until his third major league season (1909) that he turned his career around and became a winning pitcher. In 21 seasons he won 416 games, amassing a record 110 shutouts and 38 victories in 1-0 games. In the days before electronic speed guns, Johnson was believed to throw the fastest ball in the game, forcing the coined explanation "you can't hit what you can't see" from more than one opponent. A superb salutation "Best Wishes Walter Johnson" appears adjacent to the sweet spot of this blue and red stitched Official American League (Barnard) baseball. To the right, Johnson has added "March 12. 1931". The inscription rates 8/10. Very strong OAL markings remain on the unused ball. One of the tougher singles to find in high grade among the inaugural Hall of Fame inductees. LOA from PSA/DNA.
10,000 USD - 15,000 USD