1955 Ty Cobb Single-Signed Ball

MacGregor "Official 97 League" ball inscribed by Ty Cobb on a side panel. Cobb has signed the ball in his customary green ink, "Ty Cobb," below which he has added the date, "12/6/55." Both the signature and date are boldly penned, grading "9/10." This is a unique Ty Cobb single in that it has been personalized, but not in the usual manner. On the sweet spot above the Cobb signature panel the name of the original recipient has been very neatly printed in black (appears to read "Stewart Alexander McDonald" but a portion of the middle name is affected by a blemish). Above the name Cobb has written "To" and below it he has written "From." Obviously, this ball was specially prepared before it was presented to Cobb and the date on the ball might suggest it was even intended to be a Christmas present for the recipient. Whatever the circumstances of its signing were, it remains an outstanding Cobb single with regard to signature quality. The ball displays a few small areas of dark toning, as well as a number of light surface blemishes. The manufacturer's stampings are light, but legible. In Very Good condition overall. LOA from James Spence/JSA. Reserve $1,000. Estimate $2,500+. SOLD FOR $3,851

Spring 2012 - Item detail

1955 Ty Cobb Single-Signed Ball