Winter Auction 2017 Ending January 29
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/29/2017
One of the first stars of the “junior circuit” American League, Napoleon Lajoie turned in one of baseball’s greatest ever seasons in 1901. He hit a Major League record .426, slugged 14 home runs, a staggering number in the dead-ball era, and knocked in 125 RBI. His performance gave the American League credibility, and allowed it to survive as one of the two major leagues.
Lajoie spent the majority of his career with the Cleveland Indians, where his popularity was so great that local Clevelanders elected to change the name of the ballclub from the Cleveland Bronchos to the Cleveland Naps. After Lajoie retired, the Naps changed their name to the Indians. Lajoie was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1937 as a member of its second ever class.
The item offered here is a 3 x 5 inch index card signed and dated by Napoleon Lajoie. He signed his name in blue pen, inscribing “4-23-[19]38” under his name. This item has been encapsulated by PSA/DNA (83943171).