Carl W. Mays was a pitcher for the Red Sox, Yankees, Reds, and New York Giants during the 1910s and 1920s. Even though Mays won 207 games, he is best known for throwing the pitch the pitch that killed Cleveland Indians shortstop Ray Chapman in 1920. To this day, Chapman is the only MLB player to have died as a result of an on field injury.

     Mays recovered from that traumatic incident, and ended up pitching nine more seasons. He finished his career with over 200 wins and a 2.92 ERA. Mays signed this Official League baseball on the sweet spot in black pen. He signed his full name, “Carl W. Mays.” On the panel above the sweet spot, Mays added the inscription “To my Friend.” This ball shows its age, as it is discolored and cracking slightly, but the signature and inscription are in beautiful condition. This item comes pre-certified by Steve Grad of Beckett Authentication.

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