Auction Item Details
Lot 676
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Lot Number: 676
Description: Significant and historic 1999 All-Star Game Inaugural First Pitch baseball as thrown out by Ted Williams. The 1999 Major League Baseball All-Star Game ranks as one of the most anticipated in modern history and for good reason. It was to be the final Mid Summer Classic of the 20th century. Baseball had never been more popular coming off of the historic season in which Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa competed for the single season home run title with attendance at an all time high. Lastly, the 1999 version of the All-Star Game would be hosted by the storied Fenway Park in Boston. In celebration of the final All-Star Game of the century Major League Baseball arranged for an unprecedented assemblage of star players to take part in the on field pre game ceremonies. Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Bob Feller, Stan Musial, Cal Ripken Jr., Tony Gwynn, and Ken Griffey Jr. were just a few of the players present. For a ceremony of great importance, held at Boston's Fenway Park, there was only one name whose attendance caused a literal eruption from the capacity crowd, Ted Williams. Although suffering from some a decline in health, Boston's favorite son returned home to Fenway in order to be a part of the historic ceremonies. After being driven to the pitcher's mound in a golf cart Ted Williams threw out the ceremonial first pitch baseball, with assistance from Tony Gwynn, to Carlton Fisk. After the pitch was thrown attendees of the game and the countless millions watching on television bore witness to one of the most spontaneous moments in MLB history. The combination of retired star players and current All-Stars from both league swarmed the mound to acknowledge Williams' presence The moment was overwhelmingly emotional for fans, Williams, and the players alike some of which were literally drawn to tears. Afterwards, Williams remarked, "Wasn't it great! I can only describe it as great. It didn't surprise me all that much because I know how these fans are here in Boston. They love this game as much as any players and Boston's lucky to have the faithful Red Sox fans. They're the best." The baseball itself is an official 1999 MLB All-Star Game ball with Allan H. Selig stamping across the sweetspot. The ball itself shows no visible use with appropriate natural age toning. A small blue ink marking was placed on the sweetspot opposite of the ball stampings as evidenced in an accompanying note written by Williams' son, John-Henry who was in attendance. The lot also includes the back up ball as given to Williams which was not used in the ceremonies. It is appropriate to state that the offered baseball is one of the more significant of its type of the last half century of Major League Baseball ceremonial events. Superb item of the highest desirability. Includes handwritten letter of provenance from John-Henry Williams, Framed 8"x10" photo of Williams throwing out the ball (signed by Tony Gwynn): EX-MTEstimated Price Range: ($5,000-$10,000)
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