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Lot # 519: 1943 WWII Navy Baseball w/Cochrane & Feller (PSA)

Starting Bid: $300.00

Bids: 8 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Summer Classic 2022",
which ran from 8/28/2022 7:00 PM to
9/17/2022 10:00 PM



Baseball on U.S. Military teams during World War II, especially "All-Star" type squads gathered from varied military bases, was often played at a higher level than actual Major League baseball at the time. This was especially true in 1943, the middle point of the War. Most Major League players at that time were in military service, and the Major Leagues used a combination of players classified as 4-F, players too old for military service, big league or minor league players with a family exemption from being drafted, etc. Offered is a US Navy Baseball signed by Major League players in service at the time. Hall of Famers Bob Feller and Mickey Cochrane signed on the sweet spot. Feller pitched 18 seasons for the Cleveland Indians and went 262-162. He missed almost four full seasons, at the height of his career, because of his military service. Mickey Cochrane was a catcher and manager who hit .320 lifetime. He served in the military after his 13-year playing career with the Philadelphia Athletics and Detroit Tigers had ended after 1937. Other Major Leaguers signing the ball: Cecil Travis, Frankie Pytlak, Fred Hutchinson, Morrie Arnovich, Sam Chapman, George Ernshaw, Ken Silvestri, and Hank Gowdey. The Reach Official American League Baseball (Harridge) shows some darkening because of age, yet it is in excellent condition. The signatures were signed with black ink with a fountain pen, and they are exceptionally clear, and rate a 9/10. The baseball comes with a PSA LOA, and it is an unusual and wonderful treasure. 

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