Fall 2020 - Item detail
Christy Mathewson Single-Signed Baseball - PSA/DNA
- Sold For:
- $27,000
- Year:
- 1915
- Auction:
- 2020 Fall
- Lot #:
- 1724
- Category:
- Autographed Baseballs/Flats/Photos
Few items in the field of baseball autographs are as rare or as highly prized by collectors as this spectacular piece: a single-signed Christy Mathewson ball. Mathewson signed the red-and-black stitched ball (no manufacturer's labels visible) in black fountain pen on a side panel. The signature is boldly executed, grading "8/9," but a few abrasions touch upon the "Mathewson" portion. In 1921 Mathewson was found to have tuberculosis, and he eventually succumbed to the disease in 1925 at the age of 45. As a result, Mathewson's signature on any item, let alone by itself on a ball, is extremely rare. This is just the third Mathewson single-signed ball we have offered in the past sixteen years and one of probably fewer than twelve we have ever seen. Mathewson is also the key rarity, by far, in the assembly of a complete set of single-signed baseballs of the first five Hall of Famers (the other four are Ruth, Cobb, Johnson, and Wagner).
Mathewson's reputation as one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history is well founded. However, his legendary status today has more to do with his character, and the way in which he conducted himself both on and off the field, than his mound achievements. Sportswriter Fred Lieb once wrote: "Fans regarded him as the All-American boy...Christy Mathewson was the most admired player in baseball, the one fathers would take their sons to see pitch on their first visit to a ball park." Even after all these years, Mathewson still holds a special place in the eyes of collectors and his signature in any form remains one of the essentials for any advanced collection. The ball is darkly toned and soiled and displays moderate abrasions throughout. In Fair to Good condition overall. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Opening Bid $10,000. Estimate $20,000+.
Mathewson's reputation as one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history is well founded. However, his legendary status today has more to do with his character, and the way in which he conducted himself both on and off the field, than his mound achievements. Sportswriter Fred Lieb once wrote: "Fans regarded him as the All-American boy...Christy Mathewson was the most admired player in baseball, the one fathers would take their sons to see pitch on their first visit to a ball park." Even after all these years, Mathewson still holds a special place in the eyes of collectors and his signature in any form remains one of the essentials for any advanced collection. The ball is darkly toned and soiled and displays moderate abrasions throughout. In Fair to Good condition overall. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Opening Bid $10,000. Estimate $20,000+.