FALL 2012 Auction

Christy Mathewson was as charismatic and popular as any player in the early 1900’s. In a time when ballplayers were known as hard living, hard drinking rogues, there was “Matty”. The handsome college-educated star was the idol of millions, the role model every parent wanted their children to emulate. His articulate dignified persona contrasted a fierce competitiveness on the mound that made him arguably the most dominant pitcher of his time. Offered is a rare signed first edition hardcover copy of his book “Pitching In a Pinch”: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, New York: 1912. Mathewson’s large, elegant inscription appears in dark red fountain pen on the inside front cover reading “Very Sincerely Christy Mathewson”. A name (presumably books original owner) and partial address appears at the top of the inside front cover. Matty’s impressive signature rates 8 out of 10 in terms of boldness with minor bleeding. The book has a fine appearance, though the spine has largely separated from the pages, which still remain tightly bound. Some light to moderate cover and spine wear is evident at the edges and corners of the boards. The dust jacket is absent, however the titling on the cover appears in pronounced gold leaf lettering. Mathewson’s premature death in 1925 has left collectors with a limited sampling of objects bearing his autograph. In the arena of signed sports books, this is certainly a preeminent relic.

Includes full LOA from PSA/DNA.