October Legends Closing November 1
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/2/2014
Honest Eddie Murphy was a member of four World Series teams during his impressive MLB career which began as a 20-year-old in 1912. He was the starting left fielder with the Philadelphia A’s that reached consecutive World Series behind the likes of Eddie Plank, Home Run Baker and Eddie Collins. The A’s won it all in 1913 and then lost in 1914. He returned to the World Series in 1917, winning the title with the 1917 Chicago White Sox before losing as a member of the infamous 1919 “Black Sox”, where he gained his nickname “Honest” because he did not participate in the 1919 Black Sox scandal. In 2,373 career at bats, Murphy batted .287 and swiped 111 stolen bases. According to his grandson, Murphy would order food in restaurants for teammate Joe Jackson who was unable to read the menu, and was also a member of that World Championship 1917 team.
This Medal was the official award presented to the team by Charles Comiskey, the perennially thrifty White Sox owner. During this early baseball period of championship awards, before Rings became standard, Pins/Watches/Fobs were the usual presented items, with this particular 1917 Championship pin is equivalent of the Championship ring. This pin is identical to those earned by Shoeless Joe Jackson and the other future conspirators of that famous 1919 Black Sox scandal. A single quarter-karat diamond is set in the face of the thread-backed pin, encircled by raised text announcing "WORLD’S CHAMPIONS 1917, WHITE SOX." While the back is imprinted "F&H Co., 14K" and engraved with the name "Edw. Murphy"
This extremely rare and highly desirable pin derives is only one of a handful known examples, and was presented to one of Shoeless Joe’s closest friends on the team. Excellent to Mint condition. Comes with an LOA from the Grandson of Honest Eddie Murphy, Edward Murphy, confirming it has been in family possession since it was awarded.