Lot # 2081: 1961 San Francisco Giants Team-Signed Baseball with Mays, Cepeda, McCovey, and Marichal

Official National League baseball (Giles) signed in blue ink by the following twenty-six members of the 1961 San Francisco Giants: Mays, McCovey, Cepeda (sweet spot), Marichal, Hiller, Kuenn (deceased in 1988 at the young age of 57), McCormack, Farley (1961 was his only season in SF), O’Dell, Pagan, Miller, Duffalo, Davenport, Loes, Bolin, E. Fisher, Marshall, Landrith, S. “Toothpick” Jones (deceased in 1971 at the young age 45), Haller, F. Alou, Schmidt, M. Alou, Amalfitano, and Bressoud. According to JSA the signature of Al Dark along sweet spot is a stamp (a common practice on Giants team balls). The 1961 San Francisco Giants finished 85–69 and placed third in the National League under manager Alvin Dark. Orlando Cepeda had a huge season with 46 home runs and 142 RBI, while Willie Mays added 40 homers and strong defense in center field. Rookie pitcher Juan Marichal impressed with a 13–10 record and a 2.50 ERA. Jack Sanford and Mike McCormick stabilized the staff. The team showed the emerging core that would shape the franchise in the 1960s. The ball remains in Near Mint condition overall. This is an outstanding San Francisco Giants team signed ball. Auction LOA from James Spence/JSA.