Jackie Robinson 70th anniversary auction to benefit JRF ending April 29
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/30/2017
Coming off their first World Series title, the Brooklyn Dodgers of 1956 were easily the favorite to win the National League pennant again, and were one Don Larsen perfect game from winning a second consecutive World Series. This season was also a transition year for the Bums for several reasons. First, they converted from the offensive power teams of the 1950s to the pitching rich teams of the 1960s. This 1956 season marked the final season in uniform for Jackie Robinson, Roy Campanella’s career would tragically end a year later, but it was the first year for 19-year-old Don Drysdale and 20-year-old Sandy Koufax’s second season. Also, this was the penultimate season for the Dodgers in rabid Brooklyn, NY. One could imagine if the Dodgers would still be playing in Brooklyn if they won the World Series again in 1956.
Presented is this magnificent Official National League Warren Giles baseball that has been signed by 29 members of the 1956 Brooklyn Dodgers. Hall of Famer and manager Walter Alston signed his name across the sweet spot in blue pen. The east panel has the blue pen signatures of Fred Kipp, Gil Hodges, Randy Jackson, Don Zimmer, Don Newcombe, Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson and Chuck Templeton. The west panel with the Spalding stamp has the blue pen signatures of Ken Lehman, Roger Craig, Sandy Amoros, Rube Walker, Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax and Jim Gilliam. The north panel has the signatures of Clem Labine, Charlie Neal, Don Bessent, Hall of Famer Roy Campanella, Chico Fernandez, Dale Mitchell and Hall of Famer Pee Wee Reese. The south panel has the signatures of Duke Snider (clubhouse), Carl Furillo, Hall of Famer Don Drysdale, Sal Maglie, Ed Roebuck, Carl Erskine, Dixie Howell and Gino Cimoli. This baseball is in good condition with only minor toning. The stampings are crisp and clear and the signatures present beautifully. This multi-signed baseball comes with a full LOA from PSA/DNA (AC00544) and a LOA from Kim Ogle, the granddaughter of Walter Alston, who attests that this baseball was part of the Alston Collection.