Ultra rare baseball signed by Willard Herschberger is one of less than five known to exist from the Cincinnati Reds catcher, who took his own life in 1940 at just 30 years of age. Spalding Official League ball is bright with light toning and some minor staining. Signed W. Hershberger in 6/10 black ink on a side panel near the Spalding stamp. Herschberger's story is a tragic one, as he served as a backup to catcher Ernie Lombardi in 1940 until injuries pressed him into the starting role. Already suffering from depression, Herschberger blamed his own play for some Reds losses before committing suicide in his hotel room while the team was playing a double-header against the Boston Bees. Comes with PSA LOA.