October Legends and Americana Ending November 14th
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2015
On Opening Day of his 20th major league season, Walter “The Big Train” Johnson was still bringing it like a locomotive pitching all 15 frames in the Washington Senators 1-0 extra-inning victory over the Philadelphia Athletics at Griffith Stadium on April 13, 1926. This Reach “Official American League” Ball is derived from the estate of a relative of Hall of Fame outfielder Al Simmons (who went 1-5 against Johnson for the Athletics that day) and carries a lengthy inscription in black steel tip fountain pen reading: “Last Ball that won 15 inning game 1-0 Ed Rommel vs. Walter Johnson April 13, 1926 Opening Day of Season.” Blue and red stitched ball with dark toning, displays heavy wear and contains remnants of manufacturers labeling consistent with its 1926 dating period. According to Mears’ authentication the Reach Company’s “Cushioned Cork Center,” was introduced in 1926 and this would have been the first regular season game in which Johnson pitched with this particular type of ball. The baseball was part of Al Simmons' personal collection which he held onto for 25+ years prior to his passing. Ball comes with Mears Authentic full LOA and Mears hologram #314422.