[SOLD!]
Over 10 years ago my good college buddy found this ball among his late Grandfathers possessions. At that time I posted it in the memorabilia section trying to get more info, see the old short thread below which had some pics in it, a short backstory, and some board members giving opinions/details.
http://www.net54baseball.com/showthread.php?t=66867
My friend now has a house and family (two daughters) and is ready to sell the ball. He took pics today w/cell phone, see below. I can send the larger originals or have him take new ones upon request. He's got the ball, but lives near me and I've seen it and I'm a long time board member and will facilitate the sale. Also below is another quick backstory.
[SOLD!]
$8770. He's willing to take offers but first to say "I'll take it" gets it.
Thanks,
Rob
tiger8mush@yahoo.com
This Walter Johnson signed baseball was in the possession of Bill Burns of South Providence, RI (scrapbook pictures below). Burns was an incredible baseball player, fan and historian who played in the RI amateur baseball leagues in the 1930s and early 40s before enlisting in the Navy. In 1935, while playing for the South Providence Grays, he made the final cut of a massive local tryout held by the St. Louis Cardinals but decided to stay behind due to family financial reasons (group photo below).
Burns played with the likes of Hank Sauer and also later coached Lou Gorman, former Red Sox GM, when he played for St. Michael’s in South Providence. Years later, Gorman, while GM, sent a signed congratulatory plaque when Burns was inducted into the RI Umpires HOF. For his career, Burns worked his way up to the prominent role of President of the Letter Carriers Union in Providence and has been pictured with State Senators and other dignitaries. In retirement, he worked for Roth Ticket Agency in Providence, primarily for the access to baseball tickets. Because of this, he was able to take his family to Yaz’s last game in 1983.