This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/3/2020
Dizzy Dean singles are tough enough to find in the hobby, especially in such fine condition. This one also has unique aspect of being on an Official American League ball. Because as we all know, the legendary Gashouse Gang hurdler did all his damage in the National League. His 1934 campaign still might be the greatest single-season effort by pitcher as he won 30 games (last NL hurler to do so), claimed league MVP honrs and led his beloved St. Louis Cardinals to a World Series victory. Unfortunately, a line drive off his foot in the '37 All-Star Game forced Diz to change his mechanics and lose his devastating heater. Three years later, at the age of 30, he was all but finished as a big league hurler.
The soft, consistent creaminess of this off-white ball gives Dean's 7/10 blue ballpoint signature on the Reach-logoed panel a vintage, yet classy appeal. The William Harridge AL presidential stamp and Reach manufacturer labels remains very strong and legible, allowing us to accurately date the ball to the 1943-47 era. Dean actually came out of retiremant at age 37 to start one game for the AL's St. Louis Browns, throwing four scoreless frames and giving the Gateway City faithful one final memory of his greatness. This is one of the finer Dean singles we've ever had the pleasure of auctioning. Includes full LOA from PSA/DNA (AH04380).