"Harridge's life was like something out of Horatio Alger," wrote the Sporting News. "He was a poor boy who climbed to the top through diligence, courage and integrity." William Harridge gained his entree into baseball by starting as an employee of the Wabash Railroad Company, handling booking and transportation for American League teams and umpires. He worked for the American League from 1911 through 1971, with the span of 1931-1958 as league president. Harridge helped to stage the first major league All-Star game in 1933. In 1972, Harridge was posthumously inducted into the Hall of Fame, as an executive, quite a climb for a man who claimed to have never played a baseball game. Harridge signed this baseball sometime between 1947-1953, signing on the sweet spot in neat, clear script as "William Harridge." The baseball is lightly tan with light stampings. The signature was done with black ink from a steel tipped fountain pen. The ball comes with a PSA/JSA Letters of Authentication. A collector may possess numerous American League baseballs, but it adds a unique, ironic touch to have an official American League baseball signed by the American League President whose very name is stamped upon the ball at the time he signed.