Christy Mathewson, Warren Harding, Calvin Coolidge, Kenesaw Mountain Landis, Babe Ruth, John Heydler, and George Kelly Autographed ball
Date1921 September 30
DescriptionDiscolored leather baseball with red and blue stitching and black stamps including "Spalding," "Official National League," and "Cork Center." Ball has been signed in black ink over the entire surface.
Bio/Historical NoteBaseball autographed by Christy Mathewson, President Warren Harding, then-Vice President Calvin Coolidge, Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis, Babe Ruth, National League President John Heydler, and George Kelly. Kelly and Ruth were the home run champions of the National and American Leagues, respectively, in 1921. This ball was auctioned off on September 30, 1921, as part of a fundraising testimonial at the Polo Grounds to benefit Christy Mathewson who was ill with tuberculosis. A five-inning Old-Timers game was played that day, pitting the 1921 Giants against former Giants such as Roger Bresnahan, Fred Merkle, Bill Dahlen, Larry Doyle, Hooks Wiltse, and Jeff Tesreau. The ball was purchased by Truly Warner (a successful hat manufacturer and sportsman) for 750, the largest sum paid for a baseball at the time.
Object numberB-1964-0512
Artist, Creator, or Manufacturer
A.G. Spalding & Bros.
(Manufacturer)
Subject
Kelly, High Pockets, 1895-1984
Subject
Mathewson, Christy, 1880-1925
Subject
Coolidge, Calvin, 1872-1933
Subject
Ruth, Babe, 1895-1948
Subject
Heydler, John, 1869-1956
Attributes
Classificationssports and athletic equipment
Dimensions3 in. diameter
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Object number: B-1971-0460
A.G. Spalding & Bros.
1971 October 13
Object number: B-1958-0068
A.G. Spalding & Bros.
1958 May 13
