Jackie Robinson 70th anniversary auction to benefit JRF ending April 29
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/30/2017
The 1947 season was a historical year for the Brooklyn Dodgers as they became the first team to play an African-American when Jackie Robinson made his debut on April 15, 1947. Robinson began his career at first base when interim manager Clyde Sukeforth penciled him in the opening day lineup. Robinson would go on to win the Rookie of the Year Award and the Dodgers would win the National League pennant by five games over the St. Louis Cardinals.
28 members of the National League champion Dodgers have signed this Official National League Ford C. Frick baseball including Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson. Manager Burt Shotton, who took over for interim manager Clyde Sukeforth after two games, signed his name in blue ink on the sweet spot. Also on the sweet spot are the signatures of Dixie Walker and Gene Hermanski. Robinson’s signature appears on the south panel, along with Ed Miksis, Hank Behrman, Bruce Edwards, Stan Rojek, Ed Stanky and Al Gionfriddo.
The north panel has the signatures of Ray Blades, Joe Hatten, Gil Hodges, Cookie Lavagetto, Rex Barney and Hall of Famer Pee Wee Reese. The east panel has “1947 DODGERS” handwritten in black ink over the Spalding stamp and has the signature of Clyde Sukeforth, the opening day manager, Jake Pitler, Vic Lombardi, Hal Gregg and Clyde King. The west panel has two clubhouse signatures of Bob Bragan, Pete Reiser, Hugh Casey, Spider Jorgensen (signed “John Jorgensen”), Ralph Branca and Carl Furillo. The baseball displays toning due to its age and the signatures are solid. This multi-signed baseball comes with a full LOA from PSA/DNA (AC00246).