Lot # 2123: Chief Bender Single-Signed Baseball - PSA/DNA

Official American League baseball inscribed by Hall of Fame pitcher Charles "Chief" Bender in black ink on a side panel. His inscription reads “To My Friend Heff /From Chief Bender.” The signature of Chief Bender, who died on May 22, 1954, is scarce in any form, let alone by itself on a baseball. Bender was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1953 and died just nine months later. As a result, Hall of Fame autograph collectors had a very short window in which to obtain his signature. This is only the fourth Bender single-signed ball we have ever offered, and we have seen probably fewer than 10 at auction in the past 20 years. The ball displays scattered discoloration and several surface abrasions. Full LOA from PSA/DNA, which has graded the signature "4" and the baseball "2" for an overall grade of "3."