This Los Angeles Dodgers lot features a team-signed baseball from their 1959 World Series Championship squad and a rare coaches worn cap from Spring Training, circa late 1950's to early 60's. Both items come from the personal collection of a former Dodgers pitcher who spent four seasons in their farm system during that time. The Dodgers finished 21 games back from the pennant-winning Milwaukee Braves in 1958 - their first season in Los Angeles. They got their revenge in 1959, finishing in a tie for first with the Braves before defeating them in a 3-game playoff to advance to the World Series. It took six games for the Dodgers to take down the Chicago White Sox in the Fall Classic and claim the franchise's second World Championship. This ball holds 31 signatures from members of that Dodgers team. In bold blue ballpoint (8/10 average) are Sandy Koufax (HOF), Carl Erskine, Don Zimmer, Roger Craig, Joe Pignatano, Rip Repulski, Norm Larker, Solly Drake, and minor leaguers Jim Koranda, Steve Bilko and Don Miles. In more faded 5-6/10 black/blue pen are manager Walter Alston (SS, HOF), Pee Wee Reese (SS, HOF), Don Drysdale (HOF), Duke Snider (HOF), Gil Hodges, Carl Furillo, Norm Sherry, Wally Moon, Stan Williams, Ron Fairly, Johnny Roseboro, Don Demeter, Dick Gray, Bob Lillis, Charlie Neal, coaches Chuck Dressen and Greg Mulleavy, and minor leaguers Jim Gentile, Ralph Mauriello and Don Bessent. The ONL (Giles) baseball is well-preserved and mostly snow white.
The red hat is a bit of an anomaly for Dodger collectors. How often do you see a fan of the traditional Dodger blue sporting this color? Backed by the consignor's story as well as the attached photo, many coaches wore these red caps to stand out from the hundreds of ballplayers that reported to the Dodgers' longtime Grapefruit League facility in Vero Beach, FL. This Wilson size 7 1/8 fitted cap comes in nearly pristine condition, showing signs of perspiration on the interior. Rare piece from the glory days of spring baseball in Dodgertown. Note about consignor: Tommy Dale Wells (pictured) was signed by the Dodgers in 1958. He went to Spring Training every year 1959-63 and pitched for the Reno Silver Sox (Class C), Macon Dodgers (A) and Atlanta Crackers (AA) during that time. He received both of these items in person.
Pre-certified by PSA/DNA.