Very similar to the other 1956 New York Yankees ball in the collection, this example is just a tad lesser quality condition-wise but is still one of the nicest we've ever handled. This OAL (Harridge) signed ball (NRMT) features 25 signatures including Yogi Berra (SS), Phil Rizzuto (SS), Bill Hunter, Joe Collins, Charlie Silvera, Ed Robinson, Ed Lopat, Ed Ford, Tom Carroll, Hank Bauer, Bill Skowron, Bob Turley, Tom Morgan, Bob Grim, Mickey Mantle, Irv Noren, Andy Carey, Bob Cerv, Elston Howard, and more. Ball is marked "UM" for umpire and was saved for Eddie Rommel. Comes with original Reach bag. Signatures have been graded "8" by PSA and comes with PSA LOA.

Ed Rommel had the unusual distinction of being a top-flight Major League pitcher, for the Philadelphia A’s (1920-1932), and then becoming a successful American League umpire (1938-1959). What a baseball life! What a great situation for him as a collector! Rommel, regarded as the father of the modern knuckleball, won 171 games, twice led the American League in wins, and pitched in a World Series. As an umpire, he took part in two World series, becoming only the third man to both play and umpire in the World Series. In between his long stints as a Big League pitcher and umpire, Rommel spent several years as a major league coach, a season as a minor league manager, and two years as a minor league umpire. Thus, Rommel was around baseball almost continually for forty years, and his long playing and umpiring careers gave him tremendous access to players and managers. As a collector, Rommel knew baseball personages from the early days of baseball through players who debuted in the 1950s and played into the 1970s. Thus, Rommel’s likeable personality and baseball connections meant that he could obtain practically any autograph or photo he desired. Thus, from Cobb and Hornsby and Home Run Baker; from Connie Mack, Ruth, Gehrig, and Foxx; from Mantle, Ted Williams, and Jackie Robinson, Ed Rommel obtained great autographs on baseballs and photos from players and managers who were only too happy to oblige their friend. A wonderful, unique find.