Saw this postcard in another thread with a different main topic, so figured I would bump this thread up. What an interesting image. One could argue that the fellow in the center was more interesting than Ruth or Gehrig. Okay, that’s debatable. The information on the back of the postcard above is spot on.
Dick Mayes owned a ball from 1883 that had at least 27 signatures that included the likes of Tom Mix, Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Judge Landis, Frank Frisch, Dizzy Dean, Schoolboy Rowe and others. The other baseball is from 1902 as mentioned. From a few different articles, it appears that Mayes enjoyed showing off his balls and taking them to the ballpark to throw around on multiple occasions.
Mayes had a pretty interesting story and crossed paths with some high profile players. Some of his story can be seen in the article below.
(The Greenville News 4/27/1931)
Below, Mayes can be seen playing first base and swinging for the fences in his 80s. Even in his 80s, it would appear that he was not a huge fan of the modern gloves, probably explains why his hands were all mangled up.
(Tampa Bay Times 4/2/1941)
Below, The 1883 and 1902 balls can be seen with Mr. Mayes and a friend. Ruth and Gehrig had already signed the 1883 ball when this image was taken.
(Tampa Bay Times 1/17/1937)
I believe he played ball until he was 84 years old and passed away at the age of 84 as well.
So here who owns that 1883 ball or who has seen it?
