1939 was saw the entire nation celebrating the history of its National Pastime. From special patches worn by every professional team to the opening of the National Baseball Hall of Fame, the entire year was filled with events commemorating the game’s centennial. One of the facets of the anniversary was the issue of a special commemorative stamp by the post office. The standard 3-cent stamp depicted a group of country youths enjoying the game in an idyllic setting, embodying the wholesomeness of the nation’s favorite sport. The issue was wildly popular, and one of the ways collectors chose to mark the occasion was specially commissioned first day covers.

These illustrated envelopes were hand stamped at the birthplace of the game, Cooperstown, New York, on the stamp’s first day of issue, June 12, 1939. This cover. Has a classic design of crossed bats and baseball equipment with “A CENTURY OF BASEBALL 1839-1939 FIRST DAY ISSUE.” First day issue covers are widely sought after by collectors, but this one is unique in that it has been signed by five Hall of Famers: Connie Mack, Clark Griffith, Honus Wagner, Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth. Those five icons were, in 1939, were the living embodiment of what made baseball America’s game. Griffith and Mack’s career spanned more than five decades at that point, beginning as star players in their youth and developing into successful managers, and finally club owners. Wagner and Cobb practically defined the deadball era, with Wagner redefining the way the position of shortstop was played, and Cobb carving out a reputation as the game’s best hitter. And then there was Ruth, the man who ushered in the game’s modern era, moving it away from “inside baseball” and the Black Sox scandal and beyond.

This incredible first day envelop not only celebrates the game’s centennial but also the five men who made it America’s Pastime. The signatures, all signed in different instruments, are bold and clean, representing well on the attractive cover design. The envelope shows edge wear from being mailed and has toning overall. There is a collection of three cards with clippings related to the history of the game included. The envelope comes with a LOA from JSA (X40081) for the signatures.

Auction Notepad