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Jesse Burkett Single-Signed Baseball

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Jesse Burkett Single-Signed Baseball

Red and blue stitched Tober "International League" brand baseball boldly signed "Sincerely, Jesse C. Burkett" ("8") in black fountain pen slightly to the left of the sweet spot. Burkett is one of the rarest of all Hall of Famer single-signed baseballs. This is not surprising as Burkett passed away in 1953, long before collecting Hall of Famers on single-signed baseballs became widely recognized as the ideal standard. Also, Burkett played much of his career (1890-1905) in an era during which the signing of baseballs was virtually unheard of. Burkett batted over .400 three times, a feat duplicated only by Ty Cobb and Rogers Hornsby. His ability to foul pitches off at will was one of the reasons for the introduction of the rule making foul balls strikes. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1946. The offered example is by far the finest single-signed ball we have ever seen of this elusive early Hall of Famer. It is extraordinary not just in terms of rarity and condition, but also in terms of overall visual appeal. The signature is extremely large and bold, and can literally be read across the room. The ball is slightly off-white, and is in Excellent condition, with all manufacturer's markings and stampings complete and perfectly legible. Accompanied by one of umpire George Sosnak's famous elaborately hand-painted folk art tribute balls, circa 1950, featuring Burkett's Hall of Fame plaque and detailing his career, which is ideal for display with the single-signed ball. The Sosnak ball is also in Excellent condition. LOAs from Mike Gutierrez/GAI and James Spence & Steve Grad/PSA DNA. Reserve $2,000. Estimate $4,000/$6,000.

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