On September 28, 1947, the New York Yankees began what is now an honored tradition by holding the club's first official Old Timers' Day Game, an event described the next day by The New York Times as "one of the most remarkable pageants ever seen in a baseball arena." Presented here is a rare and remarkable souvenir commemorating that historic day: a baseball signed by thirty-two "old timers" who took part in the inaugural festivities, including Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Cy Young, Jimmie Foxx, and fourteen other Hall of Famers. 

This is just the second 1947 New York Yankees Old Timers Day signed baseball we have seen, and it comes with exceptional provenance. The ball was originally obtained by Walter "Pop" Owens, who served as the head groundskeeper at Yankee Stadium from 1923 to 1959, and has been consigned by one of Walter Owens' grandchildren. Our consignor received this ball in the early 1970s and it has remained in his sole possession since that time. So that future owners of the ball will always have a clear understanding of its provenance, our consignor has graciously included a three-page signed and notarized affidavit detailing the ball's history, as well as two photos of "Pop" Owens at Yankee Stadium, and a photo of himself, at the age of two, sitting on Owens' lap in 1963. 

Its inaugural New York Yankees Old Timers Day Game status notwithstanding, one would be hard pressed to find a signed baseball featuring a greater number of prewar baseball immortals than this spectacular example. Featured  here, scripted in blue fountain-pen, are the signatures of the following eighteen Hall of Famers: Babe Ruth, Jimmie Foxx, Ty Cobb, Cy Young, Tris Speaker (sweet spot), Red Ruffing (sweet spot), Frank Baker, Waite Hoyt, George Sisler, Lefty Grove, Red Faber, Ray Schalk, Chief Bender, Harry Hooper, Earle Combs, Mickey Cochrane, Herb Pennock, and Charlie Gehringer. The remaining signatures, most of which are those of former New York Yankees players, are those of Jack Coombs, Wilcy Moore, Aaron Ward, Bob Meusel, Roger Peckinpaugh, Wally Pipp, Bob Shawkey, Jack Barry, Everett Scott, Red Rolfe, Mark Koenig, Joe Judge, Joe Dugan, and Johnny Strum. The signatures range from 3/10 to 6/10, averaging 5/10. The ball is moderately soiled and toned, with a few small, very light, abrasions. The manufacturer's stampings are no longer visible, but it is most likely an official American League ball. In Very Good condition overall. 

The original purpose of the Yankees' Old Timers Day Game in 1947 was to raise money for the Babe Ruth Foundation. Babe Ruth was seriously ill at the time, and he was the only "old timer" who failed to don a uniform that day. However, he was able to come on the field and make a speech at the conclusion of the game, for which he received a thunderous ovation. The game matched a team of all stars against a team of former New York Yankees players. Connie Mack managed the All Stars, while Joe McCarthy took charge of the Yankees' squad. In fitting fashion, the Yankees "old timers" defeated their rivals 3-0 in the two-inning game, with Earle Combs' three-run in-the-park home run the deciding blow. Incredibly, a few years ago a color film reel of the game's introductory ceremony, taken by Yankees shortstop Frank Crosetti, surfaced and can be seen on YouTube. Full LOA from PSA.