Lot # 2107: Christy Mathewson Single-Signed Baseball - JSA

Few items in the field of baseball autographs are as rare or as highly prized by collectors as this spectacular piece: a single-signed Christy Mathewson baseball. The official National League ball (Heydler) has been signed by Mathewson in black fountain pen across the sweet spot. Any Christy Mathewson signed ball is an extraordinary prize. Few exist, and Mathewson has always been the key rarity by far in the assembly of a complete set of single-signed baseballs of the first five Hall of Famers. Mathewson's reputation as one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history is well-founded. However, his legendary status today has more to do with his character and the way in which he conducted himself both on and off the field than his mound achievements. As legendary baseball author Fred Lieb writes: "Fans regarded him as the All-American boy ... Christy Mathewson was the most admired player in baseball, the one fathers would take their sons to see pitch on their first visit to a ball park." Even after all these years, Mathewson still holds a special place in the eyes of collectors, and his signature in any form, especially alone on a baseball, remains one of the essentials for any advanced collection. This is only the fifth Christy Mathewson single-signed ball we have offered in the past 21 years. The ball is soiled throughout, with the league stamping affected, but still legible. Per James Spence/JSA, "various abrasions suggest signature removal throughout. In Good condition overall. Full LOA from James Spence/JSA.