In 1982, the surprising Brewers stormed their way to the top of the American League for their first World Series appearance twelve years after moving to Milwaukee (from Seattle) as the expansion Pilots. Unlike their American League opponents, the National League's St. Louis Cardinals, were no strangers to postseason play as they prepared to enter their thirteenth Fall Classic. The offered baseball was used to make the final out in Game 7 of a thrilling Series that saw the victorious "Redbirds" emerge with their ninth crown in franchise history.
In Game 7 at Busch Stadium, the Cardinals trailed, 3-1, when they came up in the bottom of the sixth. But after a single, a double, a pitching change and a walk, Keith Hernandez's two-run single tied the game, and George Hendrick followed with another single to put St. Louis ahead, 4-3. The Cards added a pair of insurance runs in the eighth, and Cards manager Whitey Herzog called upon relief ace Bruce Sutter to slam the door. Sutter, the Godfather of the “Splitter” finished off Milwaukee with two perfect relief innings as Gorman Thomas struck out swinging for the final out. Cardinals catcher Darrell Porter gave this last out ball to Sutter after the game who, in turn, gave the ball to a friend and longtime member of the Cardinals grounds crew. That same year, the ball was sold by that same Cardinals employee, to our consignor. The consignor, a long-time Cardinals season ticket holder, has owned the ball since 1982.
The Rawlings official 1982 World Series baseball shows appropriated usage wear and light soiling. Sutter’s slightly faded ballpoint inscription on the side panel reads, “Game #7 World Series Bruce Sutter”. This important piece of Cardinals history comes with a letter of provenance from our consignor. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA (autograph).