We are honored to present this highly coveted piece of baseball memorabilia: a 1951 Brooklyn Dodgers team-signed baseball, originating from the esteemed Don Lipeles Collection. For both seasoned collectors and casual enthusiasts, the 1951 Brooklyn Dodgers conjure a narrative that is immortalized in the annals of baseball lore. The 1951 Brooklyn Dodgers, or 'The Bums' as they were affectionately known, were at the heart of one of baseball's most dramatic pennant races, culminating in the legendary three-game tiebreaker series against their arch-rivals, the New York Giants. The culmination of this series led to the 'Shot Heard 'Round the World,' a Homeric home run by Giants' Bobby Thomson that snatched away the Dodgers' almost certain berth in the World Series. Despite this heartbreak, the '51 Dodgers roster was a constellation of talent, sporting names like the incomparable Jackie Robinson, who not only broke the color barrier in 1947 but was also a dominant force on the field. Roy Campanella, Pee Wee Reese, Gil Hodges, and pitcher Don Newcombe contributed to a lineup that vibrated with skill and passion. Their story is not just one marking the ebbs and flows of sport but is emblematic of an era reflecting post-war America's complexities and the national pastime?s role in societal progress. This baseball is more than a keepsake; it's a tangible connection to a pivotal moment in Major League Baseball history, embodying the spirit of a team and a time that continues to inspire and resonate with fans to this day. This official National League (Ford Frick) baseball has been preserved with the utmost care and remains in exceptional condition, a testament to Mr. Lipeles's dedication as a collector. Each signature has been authenticated and carefully examined by experts in sports memorabilia, ensuring their integrity and legitimacy. The ball features the signatures of the Brooklyn Dodgers, distinctly hand-signed with period ink. These include the notably rare autograph of Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson and other star players from that iconic team. The signatures have been assessed to be in overall very good to excellent condition, with varying degrees of preservation from player to player. The leather of the ball exhibits a luscious patina that only time could bestow, with all hallmarks and stamps still clearly legible. Auction Estimates: Taking into account the historical importance, condition, and provenance of this item, estimated auction values place this 1951 Brooklyn Dodgers team-signed baseball between 40,000-60,000. It's important to note that the market for such rarities can be volatile, with final hammer prices potentially exceeding estimates for items holding such cultural and historic weight. Participation in the auction of this item provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of baseball history, directly linked to the saga of one of the sport's most storied teams. As an artifact radiating the legacy of the Brooklyn Dodgers and their place in both sports and societal narrative, it stands as a peerless addition to any serious collection. We invite prospective buyers to view this lot firsthand by appointment at our gallery or to reach out for additional information and authentication documents. Join us in a bidding journey that echoes the excitement of 1951?a chance to claim more than an artifact, but a share in baseball history itself.

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