When Frank Robinson retired from baseball as a player following the 1976 season, he sat 4th on the all-time home run list with 586, only trailing Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth and Willie Mays. Robinson, the only player to win MVP in both leagues, currently sits at the 10th spot all-time. During the 1973 season while with the California Angeles, Robinson belted 30 round-trippers, the last time in his Hall of Fame career in which he reach the 30-home run mark.

Presented here is an Official American League Joseph E. Cronin stamped baseball that was hit by Robinson for his 552nd career home run – which took place on September 26th, 1973. Robinson’s home run came in the first inning off Texas Rangers’ pitcher Sonny Siebert at Anaheim Stadium. This ball has been authenticated by former Angels team curator Fred Burnette, who served in that capacity from 1973-1980 and states in his LOA (which will accompany this ball) that this was the actual ball hit by Robinson for his 552nd home run.

This ball displays solid use, consistent of what would be expected for a ball used in a single game. The ball has been preserved well with little to zero fading of the stampings. “FR” is handwritten in black just below the red stitching and above the “REACH” logo stamp on the side panel. Robinson has signed his name in bold black pen across the sweet spot. An incredible game used ball from the early 1970’s that is in excellent condition, tied to a specific home run and signed by the legend himself. This comes with the aforementioned letter of provenance from Fred Burnette, a LOA from Sports Investors Authentication (210723M1) for the game use and a LOA from JSA (XX19515) for Robinson’s signature.

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