The 1952 Brooklyn Dodgers, managed by Chuck Dressen, compiled a Regular season record of 96-56 to win the National League pennant by four and a half games over the runner-up New York Giants. Led by the booming bats of future Hall of Famers Duke Snider, Roy Campanella and Jackie Robinson, the Dodgers scored the most runs in the N.L. that season. Though they eventually dropped a tough seven-game Fall Classic to the A.L. Champion Yankees, the ’52 campaign was a memorable one for “Dem Bums.” They would finally get over the hump against their Bronx rivals three years later.
This extremely well-preserved ONL (Giles) ball with a lovely cream-white surface holds 26 bold signatures highlighted by Jackie and Campy. Others include Gil Hodges, Carl Furillo, Andy Pafko, Dick Williams (HOF), Ralph Branca, Carl Erskine, Sandy Amoros, Joe Black, Clem Labine, Rube Walker as well as Bridges, Cox, King, Landrum, Moore, Morgan, Negray and Nelson. Six signatures--Dressen, Sisler, Reese, Snider, Roe and Wade--have all been deemed "clubhouse."
The original owner of this ball, Ray Scarborough, pitched for the Yankees in 1952 and '53. In Game 1 of the 1952 World Series at Ebbets Field, Scarborough pitched the bottom of the 8th and allowed a solo home run to Pee Wee Reese. He acquired this ball at some point during the series and eventually passed it down to his family where it has remained until now. A terrific market-fresh ball with player provenance in remarkable condition. Includes full LOA from PSA/DNA (AG02825) with overall 8 grade (8 ball; 8 auto). LOA from Scarborough family.