Mel Ott and Ernie Lombardi Signed Baseball - Displays as an Ott Single!

Sold For:

$1,800

Year:

1945

Auction:

2019 Fall

Lot #:

1899

Category:

Autographed Baseballs/Flats/Photos

Wilson official Pacific Coast League (Rowland) ball signed by Hall of Famers Mel Ott and Ernie Lombardi. Ott's signature has been scripted in blue fountain pen on the sweet spot and grades "6/7." Lombardi's signature has been scripted in black fountain pen on a side panel and also grades "6/7." The signature of Mel Ott, who died prematurely in a car accident in 1958 at the age of 49, is the scarcest of all the 500 Home Run Club members, especially alone on a baseball. While this ball has also been signed by Lombardi, it easily displays as an Ott single if so desired, making it an appealing, and much less costly alternative, to a true Ott single. This ball dates to the 1944-1954 manufacturing period. Ott and Lombardi were Giants teammates from 1943-1947. Ott later managed the Oakland Oaks of the Pacific Coast League in 1951 and 1952. Lombardi lived in California after his retirement from the Majors, so its seems likely that this ball was obtained sometime during the early 1950s. The ball has been coated with a layer of protective shellac, which has a number of abrasions and chips; otherwise it remains in Excellent condition. Full LOA from James Spence/JSA. Reserve $500. Estimate (open).