Auction Item Details
Lot 731
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Lot Number: 731
Description: Significant 1943 World Series first pitched baseball signed by the New York Yankees. Lightly toned Harridge AL baseball signed by (27) members of the World Champion Yankees incl. McCarthy, Dickey, Chandler, Crosetti, and Fletcher. Sigs range from 1-6 out of 10. This historic baseball was the actual first ball pitched by Spud Chandler to Bill Dickey in Game #1 of the 1943 World Series. The ball originates from the family of former U.S. Army Captain M.M. Orr who was a close acquaintance of Yankees manager Joe McCarthy. McCarthy had treated the Captain's son, Chester, very well while serving with the Navy. As such, Capt. Orr wrote to his friend McCarthy before the 1943 Series to thank him and wish him luck. In return, McCarthy sent the offered baseball to Capt. Orr after the Series was completed. Included are several vintage photographs of the ball (in much nicer, original condition) that are exact photo matches with respect to signature placement. Each photo is titled, "First Ball Pitched by Spud Chandler in the World Series 1943". Also included is a period newspaper article picturing Capt. Orr with the baseball in which McCarthy is quoted as follows: "This is the first baseball pitched by Spud Chandler to Bill Dickey in the first game of the World Series. Bill tossed the ball to me and after the game every player signed the ball especially for you and the finest gang of sailors in the U.S. Navy." Several other pieces of additional supporting materials are included such as (2) vintage photos of McCarthy and another young man (likely Chester) while with the Cubs in 1931. Very significant World Series first pitch baseball with unimpeachable period documentation: Ball: EX, Signatures: Range PR-VG/EX
Estimated Price: ($5,000.00-$7,500.00)
