On the short list of the greatest center fielders of all-time Hall of Famer Tris Speaker is widely considered to be one of the best all-around players at the bat and in the field. He was Major League Baseball’s all-time leader in doubles (792), his 3,514 hits rank fifth all-time behind Pete Rose, Ty Cobb, Hank Aaron and Stan Musial. His .345 career batting average places him sixth in the pantheon of the game’s greatest hitters. Speaker has signed his name in pen across the sweet spot, while adding the inscription “1-23-57” directly below the red stitching on the panel below. This ball is stamped with “AMERICAN LEAGUE” on the opposite sweet spot and the remaining inscriptions “H.F 1939 CLEVELAND 1909-15 BOSTON 1916 26 WASH 1927 PHIL 1928”, “A.L. BAT CHAMP 1916 .386 R.B.I. 1923 130” and “GAMES 2784 RUNS 1881 HITS 3515 AVG .344” have all been written in an unknown hand. The ball displays light toning, but Speaker’s signature is strong. This comes with a LOA from Beckett Authentication for the signature. Please note that this item was recently authenticated by Beckett Authentication. An LOA will be pictured in this lot when it is received in our office and will be shipped to the winner.

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