In 1934, the Tigers played their first World Series since the days of Ty Cobb. Though they fought hard, Detroit was defeated in seven games by Dizzy Dean and his “Gas House Gang” St. Louis Cardinals. The next season, Detroit came back with a vengeance, winning the pennant by three games over New York. The biggest asset the Tigers had was their hard-hitting infield of Hank Greenberg at first, fellow Hall of Famer Charlie Gehringer at second and Billy Rogell at short. The Trio hit .328, .330 and .275 respectively, giving Detroit the edge against the Cubs in the World Series. This OAL (MacPhail) Tigers reunion signed ball collects this infield trio along with centerfielder Jo-Jo White and pitcher Eldon Auker. Greenberg (SS, 8/10), Gehringer, White and Auker have signed in blue marker, while Rogell has signed in blue pen.
The second ball reflects Hank Greenberg’s service during World War II. Beginning in 1941 Hank Greenberg selflessly gave up four and a half seasons worth of his career to the Army Air Corps. Before Captain Greenberg shipped out to the Pacific, he was selected to appear in the August 26, 1943 War Bonds All-Star Game at the Polo Grounds. The game was noteworthy for the 12 living Hall of Famers who appeared on field in their old uniforms, most for the final time. Greenberg played for the Camp Cumberland team which featured many former Big Leaguers such as Enos Slaughter, Johnny Beazley and Sid Hudson. The Army team faced a combined MLB All-Star team with future Hall of Famers Joe Medwick, Arky Vaughan, Carl Hubbell and Bill Dickey. The army rapped out 14 hits but lost to the Major Leaguers, 5-2. The game reportedly drew 38,000 and raised $800 million in war bonds.
To remember what could have been his last game, Greenberg had his army team sign a ball for him. The Spalding Official Pro-League ball collects the signatures of 20 players including Billy Hitchcock, Pat Mullin, Elmer Valo, Danny Murtaugh, Birdie Tebbetts (SS), Hudson, Tommy Hughes, Beazley, Hank Gowdey (who served in both World Wars), Harry Eisenstadt, Fred Frankhouse, Eddie Waitkus, Slaughter (HOF) and Hank Greenberg (8/10). All 21 have signed in black steel-tip fountain pen averaging a strong 7-8/10 in our book. The ball has been given a coat of shellac which has aged to a golden color under which the signatures have been very well-preserved. The Spalding trademark and manufacturer stampings have all been blackened out for some reason, but the scribbles did not affect any of the autographs. A unique pairing of two signed balls representing two milestones of Hank Greenberg’s Hall of Fame career -- the 1935 World Champion Tigers and his service in World War II.
Includes full LOA from JSA for each ball. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA.