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Lot # 593: Grover Cleveland Alexander Single-Signed Baseball (PSA)

Starting Bid: $5,000.00

Bids: 9 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Leland's Classic",
which ran from 2/14/2018 10:00 AM to
3/23/2018 10:00 PM



If it's your aim to acquire signed balls from every 300-game winner, this is your chance to grab one. This incredibly rare ball is single-signed by Grover Cleveland Alexander, one of the best pitchers of the early 20th century, and would be a tremendous addition to any collection. Alexander was named after President Grover Cleveland, who was in his first term in office when the younger Grover was born, and in 1911 exploded onto the MLB scene by winning 28 games - a modern-day rookie record. When the dust settled, Alexander's Hall of Fame career included 373 wins (tied for third all time), three pitching Triple Crowns (though sometimes a fourth is also credited to him in 1919), and one World Series victory in 1926. His accomplishments are particularly impressive considering Alexander served in World War I and came home with an acute case of shell shock. Already a heavy drinker, his traumatizing experience in the war exacerbated his trouble with alcohol, but Alexander continued to perform at a high level. He was reputedly still drunk in Game 7 of the 1926 World Series, when he was asked to pitch in relief, and he proceeded to masterfully shut down the New York Yankees to win the title. This ONL (Frick) ball circa 1937 has a consistent coloring to it from age and its stampings are still visible but hard to read. It was signed, "G.C. Alexander" on the sweet spot in 6.5/10 ink, and has some very small writing at the top of the east panel, including the date "July -37," probably done by its original owner. Comes with PSA and JSA letters.

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