Ty Cobb single-signed baseball dating to the 1921 season. The Official American League (Johnson) ball has been inscribed and dated by Cobb in black fountain on side panel: "To John E. Spann Jr./From His Friend/Ty Cobb/June-26-21." A portion of the inscription extends across the sweet spot, but Cobb's signature rests entirely within the confines of the side panel and grades 8/10."

This is an extremely early Ty Cobb single-signed baseball, as the vast majority of examples in the hobby today date to his post-playing career. Cobb was player/manager of Detroit in 1921, and this ball comes with an interesting back story. John E. Spann Jr., was a prominent Chicago tailor who also happened to be our consignor's grandfather.  Spann had many clients in other cities, including several motor-company executives in Detroit. Cobb too became one of Spann's clients and, as we see from the inscription on the ball, the pair also enjoyed a close friendship.

Cobb was in Chicago on June 26, 1921, for the second game of a short two-game series against the White Sox. Spann most likely attended the game and was rewarded with this souvenir, which has remained in the Spann family since 1921. Cobb recorded his 3,000th hit just two months later in 1921, making this a rare Cobb single dating from that memorable summer. The ball is moderately toned and displays a few light abrasions. In Very Good condition overall. Full LOA from PSA.