Lot # 1998: 1926 St. Louis Cardinals World Champions Team-Signed Baseball with Hornsby, Bottomley, and Southworth - JSA - From the Urban Shocker Collection

Official American League baseball (Johnson) signed in blue fountain pen by 22 members of the 1926 World Champion St. Louis Cardinals, including Hornsby (Mgr., sweet spot), Bottomley, Southworth, Haines, Toporcer, Blades, O'Farrell, Warwick, Hallahan, Sothoron, and Killefer (coach). This 1926 St. Louis Cardinals team-signed ball is unique due to its exceptional provenance. It originates from the family member of former pitcher Urban Shocker, who was a key member of the 1927 New York Yankees and is one of a number of items consigned to this auction by Shocker's great-grandson (the remainder of the collection, which includes photos, game-used equipment, and other such items, is offered elsewhere in this auction). The ball is lightly toned and the manufacturer's stampings are bold and legible. There is excess ink scattered throughout. In Good condition overall. Mid-1920s era Cardinals team balls are extremely scarce and we cannot remember the last time we offered one dating from 1926. In our eyes, the fact that this ball was once part of Urban Shocker's personal collection adds to its significance and mystique. Full LOA from James Spence/JSA.