Babe Ruth 100th Anniversary Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/12/2014
In the late 1920’s and 1930’s, only Jimmie Foxx could make a claim to be the equal of Babe Ruth. As first baseman of Connie Mack’s 1929-1931 Philadelphia A’s, often called the greatest team of all-time, “Double X” amassed an even 100 homers and in 1932 he became the first player to approach Ruth’s single season home run record when he slugged 58 round-trippers. The following season he did what The Babe had been unable to do: win the Triple Crown Award.
When the three-time MVP winner retired in 1945, he had amassed 534 home runs and left a career batting average of .325. Due to the rapid decline in Foxx's health and death at the early age of 59, anything signed by "The Beast" is eagerly sought by collectors - but a single-signed ball is a whole other story. Since Foxx passed before the baseball memorabilia boom of the 1970's and 80's, there is a dearth of baseballs bearing his solo signature as not many people sought one during his lifetime. This is a strong black fountain pen example (8/10) placed perfectly on the sweet spot. The ball's cream-colored surface has some light staining cause by age but Foxx's signature displays beautifully and almost pops off the surface. The ball is a Spalding "OFFICIAL NATIONAL LEAGUE" red and black stitch baseball that corresponds to the specs and markings found on a 1929-1933 John Heydler Official National League Baseball except that in place of Heydler's stamped signature what looks to be either "Wm. Carey" or "Max Carey" has been stamped. A partially obscured league stamp is below but we can not determine what it originally read. Spalding typically sold ONL balls to small minor leagues and stamped them with their respective president's signatures. Foxx managed in the low minors after his playing career and also was at the helm of the Fort Wayne Daisies of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League in 1952. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding the ball, it is a rare single-signed piece from a tough Hall of Famer and 500 HR Club member.
Though not mentioned in the JSA Certificate of Authenticity, we want to point out the ball exhibits scuffing in an area that may indicate the removal of an additional signature.This does not effect the display quality of this ball in the slightest, but Goldin Auctions wishes to disclose all facets of this important signed ball. Letter of Authenticity from JSA.