Rube Marquard Single-Signed Baseball

Sold For:

$1,380

Year:

1970

Auction:

2019 Fall

Lot #:

1969

Category:

Autographed Baseballs/Flats/Photos

MacGregor "Official League" ball signed by Hall of Fame pitcher Rube Marquard. Marquard's signature, which begins on a side panel and extends across the sweet spot, has been scripted in black marker and grades "8." Like most Rube Marquard single-signed balls, this one most likely dates to the 1970s. Marquard was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1971 and died in 1980, which was just around the time that single-signed baseballs were starting to become the ideal for autograph collectors. As such, Marquard singles remain scarce. This is just the second example we have ever offered and we have not seen many others. One of the game's top pitchers during the early 1900s, Marquard, like many other old-time stars, was introduced to a new generation of fans in 1966 when he was immortalized in Lawrence Ritter's classic baseball book The Glory of Their Times. Aside from some very light, scattered age toning the ball remains in Near Mint condition. Full LOA from James Spence/JSA. Reserve $300. Estimate (open).