JULY 19TH AUCTION
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/20/2013
In an effort to boost attendance at the 1933 Chicago Worlds Fair, sports writer Arch Ward came up with idea of selecting two teams made up with the best ballplayers in the country. With the National League managed by John McGraw and Connie Mack at the helm of the American League team, the 1933 All-Star Game surpassed all expectations. The AL drew first blood in the second inning, followed the next inning by Yankees slugger Babe Ruth hitting the very first All-Star Game home run. Although the NL rallied for 2 runs late in the game, the American League prevailed 4-2. So successful was the game with the fans that it was agreed to continue the game every year. This ball is a remarkable reminder of that great day in 1933. A staggering 12 Hall of Famers have signed this Official American League ball: Babe Ruth (on the sweet spot of course), Lou Gehrig, Tony Lazzeri, Joe Cronin, Jimmie Foxx, Lefty Grove, Al Simmons, Rick Ferrell, Bill Dickey, Charlie Gehringer, Tony Lazzeri and Eddie Collins. Ball has darkened with age but the black ink signatures are readily visible. Shellac has been applied to the surface which has caused some cracking. A stand-out piece from the very first All-Star game. Letter of Authenticity number S05643 from PSA/DNA.