Auction Item Details
Lot 511
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Lot Number: 511
Description: ***UPDATED DESCRIPTION*** (Note: the upstroke in the bottom of the "B" in Buzz Aldrin" either has a minor period enhancement or was intentionally enhanced by Aldrin himself upon signing. The distinction is very minute and mentioned for accuracy only) Historic baseball inscribed to Hank Aaron by Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins. On July 20, 1969, the human race accomplished perhaps its single greatest technological achievement of all time when a human being first set foot on the moon. Six hours after landing at 4:17 p.m. ET, Neil Armstrong stepped off the Lunar Module, "Eagle," onto the surface of the Moon, taking his famous "One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." He was shortly joined by "Buzz" Aldrin, and the two astronauts spent 21 hours exploring the lunar surface and collecting samples of lunar rocks. After their historic walks on the Moon, they successfully docked with the Command Module "Columbia," in which Michael Collins was patiently orbiting the cold but no longer lifeless Moon. Around that same time period, Hank Aaron was breaking new ground of his own in the universe of Major League Baseball. Eleven days later, on July 31, 1969, Aaron hit his 537th home run, passing Mickey Mantle and moving him into third place on the career home run list, after Willie Mays and Babe Ruth. At the end of the season, Aaron finished third in MVP voting. The 1970 season saw Aaron reach two more career milestones. On May 17, Aaron collected his 3,000th hit, making him the first player to reach 3,000 career hits and 500 career home runs. Also during that year, Aaron established the record for most seasons with thirty or more home runs in the National League. Four years later, Aaron's consistent, workmanlike power production would ultimately lead him to break Babe Ruth's hallowed career home run record, earning him the title of Major League Baseball's All-Time Home Run King. The offered baseball is the ultimate embodiment of American achievement, merging four individuals whose feats in their respective fields defined their generation. The medium toned and lightly soiled Giles NL ball has been signed by all three Apollo 11 astronauts including Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins. Armstrong and Collins appear on separate panels with Aldrin on the sweet spot allowing each to be displayed singularly. The top panel bears the astounding inscription, "To Henry Aaron All the Best from Apollo 11" in what appears (though not confirmed) to be in the hand of Buzz Aldrin. The black ink signatures and inscription uniformly rate 6-7 out of 10. The ball itself shows no significant blemishes with moderate general soiling from handling. The ball was presented by Hank Aaron directly to an acquaintance and has remained in their possession until its current offering. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this ball will benefit the Hank Aaron Foundation. Few autographed baseballs are known to exist with more transcendent historical importance. Includes letter of provenance from the original recipient: EXEstimated Price Range: ($15,000-$20,000)
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