This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 6/25/2015.
Babe Ruth has signed the north panel of this “JOHNNY EVERS CO.” manufactured “BOY’S LEAGUE” baseball. The near-perfect signature is done in period black fountain ink and in our opinion rates a near 10. The ball is in similarly fantastic condition, nicely-toned with some minor reddish spots that don’t detract from its display-ability. Our original consignor’s grandfather, Al McNeely, was a professional ballplayer for the Hollywood Stars as well as the Albany Senators, AA affiliate of the Washington Senators. McNeely and the Senators played in an exhibition game against Ruth and the Boston Braves on April 22, 1935. We were told that following the game Ruth signed this baseball in the presence of Al McNeely and his wife. The ball is accompanied by a detailed letter of provenance from our consignor stating that his grandparents witnessed Ruth sign the ball and that it has been in the family’s possession ever since. The manufacturer’s stamp reads “Johnny Evers Co. Sporting Goods - Albany, New York”, Evers served as general manager for the Albany Senators in 1935. This is the strongest Babe Ruth single-signed baseball we have ever handled. PSA/DNA was unable to authenticate the signature. Accompanied by a Full LOA from JSA.