Exceptional 1952 Ty Cobb Single-Signed Baseball Plus Two Handwritten and Signed Letters - JSA

Sold For:

$7,800

Year:

1952

Auction:

2024 Summer

Lot #:

2266

Category:

Autographed Baseballs/Flats/Photos

Presented is an extraordinary Rawlings "Official League" baseball inscribed by Ty Cobb in aqua-blue fountain pen on a side panel. Cobb has signed the ball "To Pete Ingram / From His Friend / Ty Cobb," with both the inscription and signature beautifully executed. The date noted in Cobb's hand below his signature reads "5/12/52." The ball has very minor soiling, but otherwise is in Excellent to Mint condition overall. Amazingly, the name referenced on this ball is our consignor's grandfather, whose father corresponded with Cobb on multiple occasions through the mail. One letter refers to them meeting when he was a young boy in 1911, and now with a family of his own, is requesting a signed baseball for his young son (which is the very ball offered here). Accompanying the ball are two separate handwritten letters by Ty Cobb, on his personal stationary, in response to Mr. Ingram. These letters chronicle the communications between Cobb and our consignor's family member. The ball and letters have remained in the family for decades, and are being offered publicly for the first time.The first letter (one-page), dated "2/19/52," reads as follows: “Dear Ingram, Your letter was misplaced think I was east last week when you wrote, in cleaning up I ran across yours, I am very sorry what more can I say, this seems slack but I receive quite a bit of mail also hard to control it, Tell the "Kid" Uncle Ty is not this way, he has been - all the time - With Kindest regards, I am, Sincerely, Ty Cobb. P.S. Was in N.y. at 75th anniversary National League when your letter came - saw Eddie Collins there, looked bad, did not live long, he was the best at 2nd Base and what a fine fellow. T.R.C.” The signature and all the writing are virtually flawless. The one-page letter (6.5 x 10 inches, visible dimensions) displays a single horizontal fold, light foxing, and a staple hole in the upper left. Matted and framed to total dimensions of 12.5 x 15.75 inches.The second letter (two-pages), dated “5/15/52,” reads in part: "Dear Mr. Ingram, Have sent the ball under separate cover. It is not too strange that I remember well meeting you with your father and a man to me then at Chicago Beach Hotel, I happen to have an unusual memory along those lines, not names so well but places and incidents. Here are my impressions, you were in knickers or short pants, much like your father also you were a fine looking youngster, I imagine you about this age is about as your father was at that time, also we either met in the lobby and went to my room or you all came up to my room as I see you in my room cannot remember, in the lobby.....Sincerely, Ty Cobb. P.S. If you are correct in the year, 1915 you should be older than my son he was born, 1910." The signature and all the writing are virtually flawless. Each page of the letter (6.75 x 10 inches, visible dimensions) displays two horizontal mailing folds and light creases. Both pages have been matted and framed to total dimensions of 21.5 x 16 inches. Also included in this lot are copies of two typed letters that were sent to Cobb by our consignor's family member, one dated "May 6, 1952" and the second dated "May 28, 1952."All Ty Cobb single-signed balls are truly scarce, far rarer than baseballs signed by the much more popular and approachable Babe Ruth. The offered example is one of the finest Ty Cobb singles we have ever handled. The fact that it is accompanied by two letters from Cobb, specifically referencing and authenticating the ball, combine to make this single-signed ball one of the most ideal and unique examples that could possibly exist. An outstanding and unique trio of Ty Cobb signed items. Total: 5 items (signed baseball, two handwritten letters, and two typed letters). Three individual full LOAs from James Spence/JSA. The size/weight of this item requires that there will be an additional shipping charge for this lot. Opening Bid $2,500.