Offered is the chance to own a baseball used in Hall of Famer Gaylord Perry's 300th win, a contest on May 5, 1982, between the visiting New York Yankees and Perry's Seattle Mariners, at the Kingdome. A right-hander from North Carolina, Perry pitched in the Major leagues for eight teams (1962-83). The 5-time All-Star was the first pitcher to win Cy Young Awards in both leagues: 1972, with the Cleveland Indians, when he won 24 games to lead the AL, with a 1.92 ERA; 1978, when he won 21 games for the San Diego Padres to lead the National League. Gaylord's brother, Jim Perry, combined with Gaylord to become the first brothers to each win 200 games, and they remain the only brothers to each win a Cy Young Award. During his long career, Gaylord was again-and-again accused of throwing a spitball, but he was never thrown out of a game for doctoring a baseball until 1982. Perry was often quoted that he liked to "pretend" he was throwing a spitter in order to get into the batters' heads. He was so well known for his alleged, and later admitted spitball use, that, in marketing magic, Perry titled his autobiography Me and the Spitter.

Perry was already 43 years old when he won his 300th game, facing the New York Yankees in a night game. Despite being about the same age as the fathers of some of his opponents, Perry went the distance, giving up nine hits, including a home run by Ken Griffey, Sr., in a 7-3 Seattle victory. The offered baseball is a Rawlings Official American League Ball (MacPhail). It shows use, including some brown stains. Could these stains be long after-the-fact evidence of Perry's spitball use? The jury is still out. Perry used blue ballpoint ink to sign and inscribe the sweet spot, penning "Gaylord Perry" and "#300 5-6-82." There is some light spotting/staining on the signature and inscription, but not enough to mask his writing. Other than the light stains, the baseball is in EXCELLENT condition. Anyway, light stains on a Gaylord Perry ball can only enhance its value, because applying substances to baseballs was what Perry was constantly accused of, even when he wasn't.

Estimated domestic USA shipping cost only. Does not include handling or insurance: 19.09 Please feel free to contact us for a more accurate shipping cost.