Lot # 4: “Fresh to the Hobby” & Possibly Unique 1933 Inaugural All-Star Game Official A.L. Harridge Baseball Signed by John McGraw & Connie Mack - Full PSA/DNA LOA

Category: Signed Balls

Starting Bid: $2,500.00

Bids: 12 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Winter Classic 2019",
which ran from 12/19/2019 12:00 PM to
1/11/2020 7:00 PM




(LOT 4)
"Fresh to the Hobby" & Possibly Unique 1933 Inaugural All-Star Game Official A.L. Harridge Baseball Signed by John McGraw & Connie Mack - Full PSA/DNA LOA

A bona-fide 1933 All-Star game heirloom, this remarkable A.L. Harridge baseball has been signed by this inaugural mid-summer classic's opposing managers; the legendary John J. McGraw and Connie Mack! It was originally acquired by our consignor's great-grandfather, who was a Kansas rancher and avid baseball fan and player. As many devoted fans have ultimately achieved for their extensive "bucket-lists", this immense baseball fan just happened to make the trip from Kansas to Chicago's Comiskey Park on July 6, 1933 to attend our National Pastime's inaugural mid-summer classic. Our consignor can vividly recall how both his grandfather and father, who were also intense baseball players and fans, kept the ball under a glass dome in their law offices until they retired.

Carefully stored in a climate-controlled area for over 80 years, both the consignor and his sister are now the 4th generation in their family to have custody of the ball. Both of them truly hope the baseball's new fortunate owner is a passionate collector, who can likewise appreciate its amazing historical significance. To the best of our knowledge, we simply cannot recall any Official A.L. baseball signed by just McGraw and Mack, let alone one signed at the inaugural 1933 All-Star game! Considered by many historians to be the arguable two greatest managers in baseball history, we cannot overemphasize the monumental aspect of having both their names scripted on a ball at the 1933 All-Star game.

A colossal-like John J. McGraw script graces the sweet spot of this Official A.L. Harridge ball, with the signature portraying approximate "7" strength. Connie Mack's autograph is situated on the South Panel, likewise depicting virtual "7" strength, and you can actually display the ball as either a "SINGLE-SIGNED" McGraw or Mack horsehide sphere. In typical fashion, while the ball reflects the standard toning evident on most 86-year old baseballs, the signatures are relatively clean, the multi-colored stitching is still tightly wound and the surface reveals no obtrusive blemishes.

An extremely rare offering, it conjures up memories of how Mack's A.L. All-Stars bested McGraw's N.L. squad by a 4-2 score, largely in part to Babe Ruth's inaugural Mid-Summer Classic home run. Museum worthy to say the least and "fresh to the hobby", it has stubbornly defied "Father-Time" by retaining a majority of its critical signature attributes and possibly residing as the sole official baseball scripted by only these two immortal field generals!

Note: The previous lot features an additional 1933 All-Star Game baseball signed by 13 American League stars including Babe Ruth & Lou Gehrig.

MIN BID $5,000
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