This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/31/2005.
1930 was possibly the greatest year for offense in baseball history. It is known as the first year that the ball was "juiced up," a move by the owners to create more action. As a result there were nine teams batting over .300, including the average of the entire National League! On the Yankees, Babe Ruth hit 49 homers with a .359 batting average, and Gehrig hitting 41 homers with a .379 batting average and an incredible 179 RBIs. This red and white stitched OAL Barnard baseball is signed in black fountain pen by 30 members of the 1930 New York Yankees. Signatures include Babe Ruth on the sweet spot, Lou Gehrig and manger Bob Shawkey on the League panel, Tony Lazzeri, Bill Dickey, Waite Hoyt, Bennie Bengough, Lyn Lary, Ben Chapman, Jimmie Reese, Lefty Gomez (signed "Vern Gomez"), Mark Koenig, Sam Byrd, coach Art Fletcher, Cedric Durst, Henry Johnson, Lou McEvoy, Dusty Rhodes, Dusty Cooke, and George Pipgras. Ball is toned with a coat of shellack, several of the signatures are light, they grade an overall 6 with the Ruth being a 7 and the Gehrig a 5-6. Accompanied by a LOA from James Spence Authentication.