1927 New York Yankees World Champions Team-Signed Ball with Ruth, Gehrig, and Giard

Sold For:

$2,700

Year:

1927

Auction:

2016 Fall

Lot #:

1278

Category:

Autographed Baseballs/Flats/Photos

Official American League (Johnson) ball signed in blue fountain pen by the following fifteen members of the 1927 World Champion New York Yankees: Ruth (sweet spot; grading "4"), Gehrig ("4"), Lazzeri, Hoyt, Shocker, Giard, Shawkey, Bengough, Paschal, Moore, Dugan, Collins, Ruether, Meusel,and Koenig. Signatures range from "1" to "5," averaging "3." It should be noted that a few of the signatures are very difficult to ascertain with the naked eye, including Giard, Collins, Dugan, Paschal, and Moore, but all have been verified by JSA through the use of a video spectral comparator, which allows for the observation of latent writing and/or markings. The fame and lore associated with the 1927 Yankees has elevated the club to a status enjoyed by few sports teams in history. Understandably, team-signed balls from that historic year remain at the forefront of the hobby and confer a special status upon any collection in which they reside. Also significant is that it includes the rare signatures of pitchers Joe Giard and Urban Shocker. Giard only played with the Yankees in 1927 and his major league career was brief, making his signature one of the most elusive of all 1927 Yankees team members. The signature of Shocker, whose career was longer and more distinguished than Giard's, is equally rare today because he died in 1928 at the age of thirty-seven. The ball is moderately toned and displays a number of light abrasions. The manufacturer's stampings are light, but legible. In Good to Very Good condition overall. Auction LOA from James Spence/JSA. Reserve $500. Estimate (open).