This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/2/2012
The presented ball is an elite and impossible-to-duplicate relic commemorating the last members of one of baseball’s most exclusive fraternities. The five Hall of Famers who have signed this ball, all in bold blue ballpoint pen, were the last living Major Leaguers who achieved the glorious milestone of hitting for a full season with an average of .400 or higher. The elite ".400 Club" hasn't admitted a new member in more than 70 years, and these five masters were the last of their caliber to walk in our midst. The spectacular signatures, all grading at the fabulous "9-10" level, include: Ty Cobb, alone on the west panel (.420 in 1911, .409 in 1912 and .401 in 1922); George Sisler (who batted .407 in 1920 and .420 in 1922); Bill Terry (.401 in 1930); Rogers Hornsby alone on the north panel (.401 in 1922, .424 in 1924 and .403 in 1925); and Ted Williams alone on the south panel (.406 in 1941). The 20th Century's only .400 hitters not present on this showpiece are Nap Lajoie, Joe Jackson and Harry Heilmann. The stature of this extraordinary specialty-theme rarity is unsurpassed due to its unprecedented condition. The surface of this beautiful OAL (Harridge) ball is bright, clean and unspoiled with solidly rendered manufacturers stampings. The unforgiving graders at PSA/DNA have assigned both the ball itself and the signatures a matching grade of 8. An additional .5 point has been awarded for superior aesthetics bringing the overall composite grade to 8.5. Typifying his discerning eye for quality, this is a quintessential object in the collection of John DeMatties.
Full LOA from PSA DNA (composite grade: 8.5). Additional full LOA from JSA.