Summer Slam Collectibles Aug'26
Lot 147:
Description
BID PER WHAT YOU SEE IN THE PHOTO, NOT THE AI GENERATED TITLES AND DESCRIPTIONS! Lot of Nine Autographed and Commemorative Baseballs Including Goose Gossage and Pete Gray
This lot consists of nine baseballs, featuring a variety of autographed and commemorative examples. The collection includes two modern white baseballs signed on the sweet spot in blue ink by Hall of Fame pitcher Rich Goose Gossage, both including the inscription HOF 2008. Two baseballs are signed by Pete Gray in black ink; Gray was a notable one-armed Major League outfielder who played for the St. Louis Browns. One baseball features the signature of Kurt Abbott in black ink, and another is signed by Dave Cash in red ink. A significantly toned baseball bears the signature of former American League President Lee MacPhail in blue-black ink. The lot also contains a 1998 World Series commemorative baseball with the printed signature of Commissioner Allan H. Selig and an Official International League baseball with the printed signature of President Randy Mobley. Several balls feature manufacturing marks such as China or ELB04. No certificates of authenticity or third-party authentication labels (PSA/DNA, JSA, or Beckett) are visible in the provided images.
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 items exhibit varying states of preservation. The Goose Gossage, Kurt Abbott, Dave Cash, and 1998 World Series baseballs remain generally bright white with clear signatures and markings. The Pete Gray, Lee MacPhail, and International League baseballs show significant toning, yellowing, and surface dirt consistent with age and handling. The signature on the Lee MacPhail ball is notably light and shows some fading.
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