This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/10/2001.
Frank Baker carried the biggest stick of the dead ball era, earning the nickname "Home Run Baker" while leading the AL in the category three times in the 1910s with the Philadelphia A's, though he never hit more than 12 in any season. A third baseman and a key member of the A's "$100,000 Infield," Baker became too expensive for tightwad owner Connie Mack. Sold to the New York Yankees in 1916 for $35,000, Baker was given a chance to play with the new home run king, Babe Ruth, on two championship teams in the early 1920s. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1955. While his signature is rare, this wonderful antique ball bears a high-quality Baker signature in blue fountain pen that is still crisp and clear and rates a good 7. The ball, which is stamped American League" and "Belknap sporting goods," has visible damage and staining that only seems to recreate the gritty times and glorious legend of Home Run Baker.