This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/8/2016.
The New York Yankees, coming off a World Series championship in 1927, were completing a transaction when they flew to Toledo, Ohio. When the Toledo Mud Hens manager, Casey Stengel, traded pitcher Rosy Ryan part of the compensation was for the star-studded Yankees to play an exhibition game against his team. The Yankees actually made two trips due to an earlier rainout in June, but a game was eventually played on September 13th, 1928 when the Yankees scored an 8-6 win against the Mud Hens with both Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig hitting home runs. Our consignor’s family owned housing within the vicinity of the ballpark, and rented rooms to members of the Mud Hens organization. This baseball was obtained in person by our consignor’s family at the game. “Wilson” manufactured “AERO CENTER Official League GUM DIPPED” baseball with red and blue stitching. Adjacent to the “Official League” stamp is a facsimile signature of T.J. Hickey, the president of the American Association, which is part of the manufacturer’s mark. The baseball is signed by Ruth on the sweet spot in black steel-tip fountain pen and in our opinion, rates a 9 overall. On another panel reads, “NO. W150 HORSE HIDE COVER 1 OZ. RUBBER”. Accompanied by a full JSA LOA and a letter of provenance from our consignor.