Summer Premium and Catalog Auction July 31 & Aug 8
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/9/2015
Encapsulated and assessed “Authentic” by PSA/DNA (#83446282). Three Hall of Fame signatures appear together on this large personal calling card. It’s well known that the New York baseball teams were involved in the promotion of the New York World’s Fair in 1939, and it’s likely that a spectator spotted these three illustrious teammates participating in a Fair event. The men apparently obliged an autograph request by signing the border on the front of this item. The piece is printed on white stock, with, “Mrs. Frank H. Becker,” appearing in Olde English characters, in the fashion of the day. The pencil signatures of Joe DiMaggio, Lou Gehrig and Joe McCarthy surround the name. On the card’s blank back, “World’s Fair - Sept 9th 1939 – Game – Lefties & Righties,” has been written in another hand (doubtless to record the occasion of the owner’s fortuitous meeting with the players). Gehrig had retired from baseball by the time this card was signed – having given his famous, heart-rending speech on July 4, 1939 at Yankee Stadium – and it must have been especially thrilling to have seen him in public with his former manager and the young Yankee star. Overall EX to EX/MT appearance.