This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/15/2019
ADDENDUM: The autographs were each graded 8/10 by PSA/DNA.
On October 1, 1958, the Milwaukee Braves and New York Yankees began their World Series rematch from the year prior on a brisk day in Wisconsin. The highly anticipated series coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Base Ball Writers Association of America, which allowed James Crusinberry, sports editor for the BBWAA, the honor of throwing out the ceremonial first pitch during Game One. Offered here is the same ball that James Crusinberry threw across home plate to kick off the start of the '58 Fall Classic.
The ONL (Giles) ball is in good condition and only lightly soiled. There is also a personalized note from each team’s manager on the side panels of the ball that reads “To Jim - Best Wishes - Fred Haney” and “To Jim - From Casey Stengel”; both are done in bold blue ballpoint graded 8/10 by PSA/DNA. It is specially notated “First Ball World’s Series 1958 James Crusinberry". (Neither PSA nor JSA could determine whose hand, but it could very well be Crusinberry himself.) This important ball must have meant a great deal to Crusinberry. The New York Yankees ended up winning the 1958 World Series, four games to three. James Crusinberry, who famously covered the 1919 Black Sox scandal for the Chicago Tribune, passed away in 1960 at the age of 81. Includes LOA's from PSA/DNA (Overall Auto. Grade 8) and JSA.