Presented here is an ultra-rare Joe DiMaggio signed “Deathbed” baseball. A short time before the Hall of Famer’s death in 1999, he signed 68 baseballs to be sold or distributed to family and friends. Of the 68, 56 were numbered. The final 12, unnumbered baseballs were given to friends and relatives of the Yankee Clipper. This baseball is one of those 12, and quite possibly one of the final balls ever signed by the legendary slugger. This Official American League Gene A. Budig baseball features a DiMaggio logo to the south of the stamped signature of the American League president. The stitching on this ball is Yankee blue. DiMaggio signed the sweet spot in black pen. His signature is shaky, and indicative of his failing health. This item is accompanied by a LOA from the family of DiMaggio, although the “Yankee Clipper” inscription noted in the LOA is not present on the baseball. Additionally, this item comes with a LOA from Steve Grad of Beckett Authentication (A80891).

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