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Lot # 780: 1950s Cleveland Indians Pitching Aces Signed Baseball

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Presented is the opportunity to own a unique baseball signed by each of the members of the Cleveland Indians "Big Four," the team's terrific starting rotation of pitching aces from 1949-54 and one of the best starting rotations in baseball history: Bob Feller, Bob Lemon, Early Wynn, and Mike Garcia. All of the signees are deceased, and all except Garcia became Hall of Famers.

1) Bob Feller: The Hall of Fame right-hander was known as "Rapid Robert" for his blazing fastball. He had a lifetime record of 266-162, with a 3.25 ERA. He won the Pitching Triple Crown in 1940. A Navy combat veteran in World War II, he missed almost four complete seasons in military service. He was a key part of the 1948 Cleveland Indians World Champions and the 1954 Cleveland AL Pennant winners.

2) Bob Lemon: Originally a position player who played the outfield and third base, the Hall of Fame right-hander transitioned to pitching partway through the 1946 season after resuming play after three seasons in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He had a lifetime record of 207-128, with a 3.23 ERA. He was a part of both the 1948 Cleveland World Champions and the 1954 AL Pennant winners. Later, he was a successful Major League manager.

3) Early Wynn: It's a bit of a stretch, but Hall of Fame right-hander Early Wynn was a Cleveland Indian who really was an Indian: Wynn was mainly Scottish and Irish, but he had a bit of Cherokee blood in his ancestry. Early pitched for the Washington Senators before his years with Cleveland, and he threw for the Chicago White after his first stint with Cleveland. After being released by the White Sox after the '62 season and not making the White Sox as a non-roster player in the spring of '63, Wynn was a free agent who had won 299 games. Determined to win 300, Wynn signed again with Cleveland in mid-season of '63, and he finally won his 300th and final game in his fourth start. He finished his career with a 300-244 record. The 7-time All-Star was a part of the '54 Indians pennant-winners. 4) Mike Garcia: Known as "the Big Bear," the right-hander was the AL ERA leader in both 1949 (2.36) and 1954 (2.64). He won 20 games in '51 and 22 games in '52. Born in California, he was of Mexican and Native American descent; hence, he also was literally a true Cleveland Indian. He served overseas in the U.S. Army during World War II as a signalman. The Cleveland Indians souvenir baseball is clean and in EX-MT condition. Wynn signed on the sweet spot, and the other autographs are under Wynn's, on a side panel. The signatures, in blue ballpoint ink, average 8/10.

Estimated domestic USA shipping cost only. Does not include handling or insurance: $27 Please feel free to contact us for a more accurate shipping cost.

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