This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 6/25/2015.
Hall of Fame catcher Roy Campanella was widely considered to have been one of the greatest catchers in the history of the game. The 8-time All-Star, 3-time NL MVP, NL RBI Champion and World Series Champion had his career cut short due to an unfortunate automobile accident, which left Campanella paralyzed from the shoulders down. “Wilson” manufactured “230CL” model catcher’s mitt. On the outer thumb and pointer finger area is a worn “Wilson” manufacturer’s tag. On the inner pinky area is Roy Campanella’s facsimile signature stamped into the mitt along with “Professional Model”. Some lace is missing around the outer pinky area causing some separation of the front and back leathers. The lace is also missing from the outer wrist strap. The pocket is well oiled and broken in with a tear in the leather near the thumb. This glove is a personal model produced for Roy Campanella who was under an endorsement contract with the manufacturer. The model 230CL was available to other players, but not with Campanella’s name on the glove. This rare catcher’s mitt is properly tagged, was presented to us as game-used and in our opinion shows outstanding use. Accompanied by a LOA from Esken and a letter circa 1993 from the original owner of the mitt who received it from former Dodgers bat boy Doug Anderson who also tried out for the team in 1964.