JULY 19TH AUCTION
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/20/2013
Choice single-signed OAL ball from the man who broke The Babe’s single-season home run record. Though known for surpassing The Babe and being saddled with that infamous “*” in the record books, Maris had an admirable major league record excluding 1961. Coming up with the Indians, the 22 year-old quickly showed his power by hitting a grand slam his first month in the majors. Traded to Kansas City, it was inevitable that the Yankees, who infamously siphoned off all the A’s top talent, would snag the young star. While he never hit for average, Maris’ slugging quickly accelerated when he put on the Yankee pinstripes, culminating in his famous home run rivalry with Mantle during the summer of 1961. The pressures of fame and debilitating injuries took their toll on the quiet slugger and he was sent to the Cardinals where he had his last hurrah, helping lead St. Louis to two World Series’ in 1967 and 1968. Single-signed balls from Roger Maris are hard to come by for a few reasons: he was a very private man who made few public appearances and he passed away at the young age of 51, a mere 24 years after his great 1961 feat. Maris has signed the 1974-1984 era Spalding Lee MacPhail Official American League ball in blue pen on the sweet spot, which PSA/DNA has graded a 8. The ball, which has a nice patina, has been given an 7 for an overall 7.5 grade. James Spence sticker number X08620 and PSA/DNA sticker number M86861 has been affixed to the ball. PSA/DNA Letter of Authenticity.