Hank Greenberg Single-Signed Ball and Related Handwritten Postcard

Sold For:

$5,400

Year:

1975

Auction:

2017 Fall

Lot #:

1666

Category:

Autographed Baseballs/Flats/Photos

MacGregor "Official 97 League" baseball boldly signed in black fine-point marker (grading "9/10") across the sweet spot by Hall of Fame first baseman Hank Greenberg. This ball originates from a large single-signed ball collection that was amassed during the mid 1970s by a gentleman named Charles Carter, who obtained his autographs the old fashioned way: By mail. His modus operandi at the time was to write the player asking if he would be kind enough to sign a ball. The player would then respond via an enclosed prepaid postcard. If the answer were yes, Carter would ship the ball. If not, well, he was out only the cost of two stamps and a little bit of his time. Most players, however, were more than happy to oblige, with Greenberg being no exception. Included with the ball is the postcard Greenberg sent back to Carter in 1975, which is dated "9-16-75," and reads "Dear Charles, Please send ball with a box, stamped and addressed and I'll be happy to autograph it and return, Cordially, Hank Greenberg." Greenberg also included his address in the lower-left corner. Both the text and Greenberg's signature are scripted in black fine-point marker and grade "10." This is one of 54 single-signed balls from the Carter Collection featured in this auction, (10 are being offered individually, while the other 44 are featured as a single lot). Aside from some very light toning, the ball remains in Near Mint condition. The postcard (5.5 x 3.25 inches) is in Excellent to Mint condition. Full LOAs from PSA/DNA, James Spence/JSA, and SGC Authentic. Pre-certified by Steve Grad and Brian Sobrero/Beckett Authentication. Reserve $300. Estimate (open).