Summer Slam Collectibles Aug'26
Lot 144:
Description
BID PER WHAT YOU SEE IN THE PHOTO, NOT THE AI GENERATED TITLES AND DESCRIPTIONS! A Collection of Five Autographed Baseballs Including Tug McGraw and Jim Bouton
This lot consists of five individually autographed baseballs, each housed in a clear acrylic display case with a gold-tone circular pedestal base. The collection features signatures from several Major League Baseball players. The items included are as follows: one baseball signed by Tug McGraw in black ink on an Official National League (William D. White, President) ball; one baseball signed by Jim Bouton in purple ink on an Official American League (Bobby Brown, President) ball; one baseball signed by Ed Kranepool in black ink with a career inscription reading 7 Mets 62-79; one baseball signed by Pat Combs in purple ink; and one baseball featuring a signature in blue ink attributed to Paul Blair. The underside of four pedestal bases features a collector identification tag handwritten on masking tape. No third-party certificates of authenticity or letters of authenticity are included with this lot.
Provenance / Authentication Note: This item originates from a single-owner collection assembled by a dedicated sports fan (with a strong focus on Notre Dame and New York Yankees memorabilia). The collector actively pursued autographs over many years through in-person events, including games, autograph shows, and visits to National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum during player events, as well as through direct mail requests to athletes and celebrities. The collection included supporting material such as handwritten correspondence sent to athletes (in some cases with payment enclosed), along with photographs of the collector with various signers. A portion of this same collection was featured in our March 21st auction, where multiple items were authenticated by James Spence Authentication (JSA). In regards to any items with signature(s): While this specific item(s) may not be individually submitted for third-party authentication, it originates from the same collection and shows consistency with previously authenticated pieces. As with many large autograph collections, there may be a small number of facsimile or clubhouse-style signatures present, but for the most part we have seen AUTHENTIC SIGNATURES within the collection. Based on the overall provenance and our review, we maintain a strong level of confidence in the authenticity of most items. Bidders are encouraged to review all photos carefully and bid according to their own level of comfort. No additional authentication documentation is included unless visible within the lot photos. Please reach out with any questions.
Condition report:
The baseballs appear to be in good to very good condition within their protective cases. There is some natural toning to the leather surfaces. Signature clarity varies, with noticeable fading to the blue ink signature. The acrylic cases and gold-tone stands show typical minor surface wear and light scratches consistent with handling and display.
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