(LOT 137)
1939 First Day Cover Commemorating 100 Years of Baseball "America's National Game" Signed by Walter Johnson – PSA Authentic
Of the 666 games that Washington Senators pitcher Walter Johnson started, he completed an astounding 531 (80%) and shut out his opponents on 110 occasions, an MLB record that still stands 95 years after his retirement. Johnson's 417 wins is second only to Cy Young's 511 victories. So, it is no wonder that the Big Train would be included among the inaugural first five inductees into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. The exclusive club consisted of Johnson, the late Christy Mathewson, Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth and Honus Wagner. On June 12, 1939, Major League Baseball commemorated the centennial anniversary of the National Pastime with the Cavalcade of Baseball to coincide with the opening of the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.
The offered First Day Cover signed by Walter Johnson hails from that very day. This remarkable artifact from the 100-year anniversary is signed "Walter Johnson:" under "America's National Game" at left with four "Centennial of Baseball" US Postage stamps to the right, postmarked "Jun 12 1939 – Cooperstown, NY". Encased as Authentic by PSA, Johnson's signature still reflects a "7" strength due to slight fading while the overall consistent lightly toned FDC is still in delightful condition with little to no wear evident. This is really a wonderful autographed piece of one of the greatest pitchers from one of the most historic days in Major League Baseball.
MIN BID $400
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