Christy Mathewson was a gentleman among scoundrels in the rough-and-tumble world of deadball era baseball. College educated at a time when most athletes were not, Mathewson earned a reputation as a member of the New York City literati, penning a well-received newspaper column, numerous books, and even a play. The Pennsylvania native was a graduate of Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA, where he played both football and baseball. It was with the New York Giants that Mathewson blossomed into one of the best pitchers of all-time, winning 373 games during his exemplary 16-season career.

Mathewson’s best season came in 1908, with Christy winning 37 games, throwing 34 complete games and 11 shutouts while maintaining a miniscule 1.43 ERA. Mathewson finished his career with a sparkling 2.13 ERA, tied with his fellow Hall of Famer Al Spalding for the eighth lowest mark in baseball history. Mathewson was a member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame’s inaugural class in 1936, alongside Honus Wagner, Ty Cobb, Walter Johnson, and Babe Ruth.

Offered in this lot is a spectacular Christy Mathewson signed check from October 13th, 1924. This check is dated almost exactly a year prior to Mathewson’s untimely death from tuberculosis on October 7th, 1925. The check was issued by the Adirondack National Bank in Saranac Lakes, New York, where Mathewson spent the final years of his life in a sanitorium fighting his fatal illness. It is made out to Bucknell University and is for the value of exactly $121.00. Tuition and room and board for men at Bucknell was $110.00 per semester in 1920, while that number rose to $225.00 for women. Mathewson has signed this check in black fountain pen. Holes have been punched in this check, however they do not influence Mathewson’s crisp signature in the slightest. The check has been encapsulated and Mathewson’s signature graded a sterling MINT 9 by PSA/DNA (84125969).

Auction Notepad