SCP Auctions Spring 2010 Internet Auction

This rare miniature catcher’s mitt and baseball was produced as a banquet souvenir for a testimonial dinner given in honor of Willie Keeler on February 21, 1910. The testimonial dinner was most likely given by the New York Yankees as a retirement party for Keeler. Produced for the occasion by Reach, both the glove and ball are specially stamped “Willie Keeler – Testimonial Dinner – February 21st, 1910”, though each stamping has faded somewhat. Each piece also features the Reach company logo. One can assume this miniature souvenir, which was Keeler’s own keepsake from the affair, was homage to Keeler’s “Wee Willie” moniker. The glove and ball show some handling wear with the ball showing evidence of perhaps being used. An accompanying original Reach box shows substantial wear with tape reinforcements at each joint of the lid. An appealing memento of the great Wee Willie Keeler, the likes of which is seldom seen in the marketplace. This one carries the added significance of once having belonged to the man who was the subject of its tribute. Includes a letter of provenance from the Keeler family.