This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/5/2007.
the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum at Cooperstown was officially dedicated in colorful ceremonies on June 12, 1939, in celebration of baseball's 100th anniversary. Four years earlier, plans got underway to mark the baseball centennial with festivities in Cooperstown, the alleged location of baseball's birth. The main idea of the celebration was the establishment of a permanent Hall of Fame to honor the game's giants. The Baseball Writers' Association of America was given the task and responsibility of selecting greats to be honored. The first election was conducted in January of 1936, when five players were elected: Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, Honus Wagner, Christy Mathewson and Walter Johnson. By 1939, there were 25 legends elected to the Hall of Fame, and each made the trip to Cooperstown to attend the centennial celebration. Baseball Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis presided at the ceremonies. This 3-1/2" x 6-5/8" album sheet has been signed in black fountain pen by HOFers Babe Ruth (1936), Ty Cobb (1936), Billy Herman (1975), Joe Medwick (1968), Connie Mack (1937) and Walter Johnson (1937), as well as Cecil Travis, Art Jorgens, Jim Shilling and George Selkirk. Written on the lower right corner of the sheet is "Signed at Cooperstown 6/12/39 by Willie Kic," ostensibly in Kik's hand. Sheet shows some minor foxing, large signatures grade an overall 9 to 10, truly magnificent autographs! Accompanied by a LOA from JSA.