This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/29/2019
On Opening Day in 1947, Jackie Robinson took the field at Ebbets Field becoming the first African-American to play in the Majors since the 1880’s. Every player of color who played in the majors after him owed a debt of gratitude for Jackie’s courage and determination that 1947 season. 12 of those trailblazers who followed in his wake have signed this Rawlings Official American League Budig ball. The ball carries the special 1997 Jackie Robinson Anniversary logo on one panel and has been signed in blue pen by 12 men who broke baseball’s various color lines in baseball, including the second African-American to play in the Majors and the first in the American League, Larry Doby. Others include Monte Irvin (1949), Sam Jethro (1950), Minnie Minoso (1951), Ernie Banks (1953), Chuck Harmon (1954), Frank Robinson (1955), Ozzie Virgil (1958), Pumpsie Green (1959) and Buck O’Neal (1962). Each ball player has signed the ball and added the date they broke their respective color barrier. A unique tribute recognizes the men who led the struggle to make baseball truly Our National Pastime. Ball graded NM-MT+ 8.5 by PSA DNA.