Hall of Famer Hugh Duffy was a star in the early days of the National League and played in the Players League in its only season of operation. He played from 1888 to 1906, a lawless and wild era in baseball history. In 1894 Duffy set a major league record with a .440 batting average, an astronomical mark. Later in life, Duffy was involved in baseball until his death in 1953, as a do-it-all emissary for the Boston Red Sox.

It was in this capacity when Duffy signed this offered Official National League Ford C. Frick stamped baseball. Duffy signed his name in a black steel-tipped fountain pen on the side panel and inscribed “Red Sox”. Duffy’s signature and inscription are light but very much readable. Based on the stampings, this ball has been dated to the 1947-1951 era, meaning this ball was signed in the latter part of Duffy’s life. This baseball comes with dual authentication for Duffy’s signature and inscription as there are individual LOAs from JSA (Z41073) and from Steve Grad of Beckett Authentication (A04830).