This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 5/11/2001.
Contrary to popular opinion, it was not Willie Mays who invented the basket catch but rather a
pint-sized shortstop from the Golden Age named Walter "Rabbit" Maranville. So named for his fleet feet and hare-like leaps, Maranville played from 1912-1935. He was a spray hitter and airtight fielder who would keep fans entertained with antics such as handing glasses to umpires and mocking slow pitchers. He was a sparkplug wherever he went and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1954. Maranville's bold and bright signature in blue ink and rating a good 7 is on the sweet spot of this lustrous, lightly toned ball, which has some minor scuffing on an otherwise smooth surface.