Auction Item Details
Lot 30
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Lot Number: 30
Description: Historic 1961 President John F. Kennedy single signed Ceremonial First Pitch Baseball (Kennedy's First MLB Ballpark Appearance as President)(PSA/DNA)(University Archives)(JSA). Off white J.Cronin American League baseball which was thrown for the traditional ceremonial first pitch of the 1961 MLB season by President John F. Kennedy. The April 10, 1961 opening day contest in Washington D.C. between the hometown Senators and the Chicago White Sox came just three months after President Kennedy gave his iconic "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." inaugural speech. As customary for the home opener ceremonies, the President would toss the ball onto the field with the Washington players competing for the coveted treasure. Senators left handed pitcher Harold (Hal) Woodeshick was the lucky recipient catching the ball on the run after it bounced off several players' hands as seen on period video. The ball was then brought by Woodeshick to President Kennedy who signed the side panel in blue ink, "To Harold, Best Wishes John F. Kennedy". Signature remains quite strong rating 7/8 out of 10. The 1961 MLB season would prove to be one of the most historic in the history of the game with special note to the legendary home run race between Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris. The offered baseball quite literally was the genesis for that magical season and must be regarded as one of, if not the, most important President Kennedy signed baseballs of historical import. Includes full LOA from PSA/DNA, full LOA from JSA, full LOA from University Archives. Also includes signed letter of provenance from Geddy Lee with this lot featured in Geddy's forthcoming book "72 Stories from the Collection of Geddy Lee". A signed copy of the book will accompany the winning bid of this lot: Ball: EX-MT, Signature: NM-NM/MTEstimated Price Range: ($75,000-$150,000)
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