Out of all the players with a plaque in the Hall of Fame, George S. Davis holds the record for “least biographical data known.” This elusive turn of the century star began his career with the Cleveland Spiders in 1890 as an outfielder, then after 1892 alternated between the Giants and White Sox for the next 17 years. He was an integral part of the famed 1906 World Champion “Hitless Wonders” White Sox and year after year his name could be found at or near the top of most of the offensive batting categories. Despite his being one of the greatest hitters at the turn-of-the-century, Davis’ career faded from memory as the names Cobb, Lajoie and Ruth made their appearances. The former star died in obscurity in 1940, forgotten until baseball historians rediscovered him in the 1990’s.

     The Veterans Committee elected him to the Hall of Fame in 1998. Because his career was overlooked for generations and his election to Cooperstown more than a half century after his death, George Davis is one of, if not the most elusive signatures of all Hall of Famers. This page from an autograph album contains a single cut signature of the mysterious ballplayer, signed “Geo. S. Davis Cleveland B.B.C.” in black fountain pen when he was a member of the 1892 Cleveland Spiders. The album page shows edge wear and toning but the signature has been very well preserved within its pages. An impossibly hard to find signature of the Hall’s most sought after member. This signed cut has been encapsulated by PSA/DNA (84043049).

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