Dickie Kerr was a starting pitcher for the Chicago White Sox from 1919 to ‘21. As a rookie, he won 13 games and both his starts in the 1919 World Series, which would lead to the permanent suspensions of eight of his teammates in the infamous “Black Sox” Scandal. In later years, Kerr would receive praise for his honest play during the Fall Classic. In 1921, he went 19-17 and led the league 308 2/3 innings pitched. After the season, he was suspended from organized baseball for violating the reserve clause in his contract. Kerr attempted a comeback in 1925, pitching in 12 games and compiling a record of 0-1 in 362/3 innings, mostly out of the bullpen. He finished his career with a record of 53 wins against 34 losses for a winning percentage of .609. His career ERA over three-plus seasons was 3.84.
This lot offers Don Drysdale’s 1962 Dickie Kerr Award as the league’s best pitcher. That season the big right-hander posted a most memorable campaign by leading the league in wins (25), strikeouts (232) and innings pitched (314.1). He also pitched 19 complete games and compiled an ERA of 2.83. Best of all, Drysdale locked down his only MLB Cy Young Award. The 17” tall specially engraved and decorative silver-plated samovar (or coffee urn) measures 11” wide and has the following text engraved on the front: “Dickie Kerr Award to DON DRYSDALE Baseball’s Best Pitcher in 1962, Jan. 22, 1963, Houston, Texas BBWAA.” The base of the samovar, which is heavily tarnished, even boasts a small warming tray for a can of Sterno.
Includes LOA from the Drysdale Family.