Baseball thrown by Babe Ruth as a pitcher for the Red Sox

[Shoeless Moe]

Thanks all!!!

Joe - I'll pm ya.

[vintagesportscollector]

Cool. I find it interesting that apparently the original owner had no appreciation for the ball. Looks like after it was inscribed and dated, some kid played with it for years, as much of the wear is post inscription (Sandlot?? ). Congrats Paul! There are still finds to be had.

[Shoeless Moe]

Originally Posted by vintagesportscollector

Cool. I find it interesting that apparently the original owner had no appreciation for the ball. Looks like after it was inscribed and dated, some kid played with it for years, as much of the wear is post inscription (Sandlot?? ). Congrats Paul! There are still finds to be had.

Joe - I'm no expert, but I think the wear is pre-inscription. That's just the way balls looked after 9 innings back then, look at most any game used ball from that period.

Check out these 2 Mathewson related ones that went at SCP in the summer:

http://catalog.scpauctions.com/bids/...e?itemid=30782

http://catalog.scpauctions.com/bids/...e?itemid=30781

Had this ball been played with on the sandlot, that inscription would be faint if not gone completely.


This guy may have seen the sandlot:

https://sports.ha.com/itm/baseball/1...ription-071515

[vintagesportscollector]

Originally Posted by Shoeless Moe

Joe - I'm no expert, but I think the wear is pre-inscription. That's just the way balls looked after 9 innings back then, look at most any game used ball from that period.

I don't think so - some of that wear is post inscription. Not that it really matters either way. There is hole right between the A and R in "Stars" that clearly was put there post inscription. Again, doesn't matter, I just found that interesting.

[ruth-gehrig]

That's an awesome find! Congrats. Now I'm wondering if it's for sale

[Shoeless Moe]

Thanks.....it is for sale, but it will most likely go to an Auction House next year. Unless blown away by an offer.

I've been contacted by 2 auction houses already that want it in their next auction. I like when they contact me and I don't have to go to them : )

[oldjudge]

Paul--How does one know that someone didn't just locate a ball from 1917 and write the score and date on it. How can an LOA be written that a ball is used in a particular game without a tremendous leap of faith?

Jay

[witster]

Originally Posted by vintagesportscollector

I don't think so - some of that wear is post inscription. Not that it really matters either way. There is hole right between the A and R in "Stars" that clearly was put there post inscription. Again, doesn't matter, I just found that interesting.

In years past, baseballs were often hung, dangling on a string. That's why you would occasionally see old balls with a hole, or even staples in them. I've got a book with a picture of an old Pittsburgh Pirate announcer Rosey Rowswell with his "collection" of hanging baseballs. There were eBay auctions for quite a few of them last year. I was lucky enough to get one with a rusted staple.

It's period to the practice. Baseballs were also used/re-purposed by kids.
I really imagine that it would be difficult to just go and buy a ball when you don't have the means.

There's no conceivable way to prove those players actually interacted with that particular ball. That being said, the fascination that exists because they may have, only makes this ball that much more of a treasure. The ball breathed the same air, let's say.

Either way, its an exciting ball to still have existed all these years, with even more of a historical presence. "So, you're telling me there is a chance?" ?
I think Crocodile Dundee would say better than average. Awesome ball.

Witster

[packs]

Well the story checks out. Although both the A's and White Sox played games that day none of the named players appeared in the official MLB games.