This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/10/2015.
“REACH” manufactured “OFFICIAL American League” Barnard baseball. The ball has been signed by 23 members of the 1931 New York Yankees including 10 future Hall of Famers. The 1931 Yankees were lead by veterans Ruth, Gehrig and Combs as the team was in the midst of a transition from the Murder’s Row team of the 1920s to the powerhouse Yankees of the 1930s. The club would still go on to win 94 games that season, but was only good enough for a second place finish. Notable signatures include Hall of Famers Babe Ruth (ss)(1931 AL Home Run Leader), Lou Gehrig (1931 AL Home Run Leader), Red Ruffing, Herb Pennock, Bill Dickey, Tony Lazzeri, Earle Combs, Joe Sewell, Vernon “Lefty” Gomez and Manager Joe McCarthy. Additional signatures include: Lyn Lary, Ed Wells, Henry Johnson, Gordon “Dusty” Rhodes, Dusty Cooke, Jimmie Reese, Ivy Paul Andrews, George Pipgras, Sam Byrd, Jim Weaver, Art Jorgens, Myril Hoag and Cy Perkins. All of the signatures are done in the same period black fountain ink and in our opinion rate from a 7 to a 9 with the Ruth and Gehrig being exceptional examples. This magnificent ball is beautifully toned. PSA/DNA was unable to authenticate the signatures. Accompanied by a Full LOA from JSA.