Lot # 2204: 1922 Kenesaw Landis Single-Signed Baseball Presented to Urban Shocker's Son - From the Urban Shocker Collection

Official National League baseball (Heydler) signed by Kenesaw Mountain Landis, the first commissioner of baseball. Landis has inscribed the ball in black fountain pen on the sweet spot: "To Cletus Shocker/good luck/Kenesaw M. Landis." The date "Sept. 18 1922" is noted in Landis' hand next to his signature. This ball, along with several other items offered in this auction, originates directly from Urban Shocker's estate and is accompanied by a signed letter of provenance from his great-grandson. Landis single-signed balls are rare, and this is an especially desirable example because it has his full signature, as opposed to the more commonly found "KM Landis." We have seen very few Landis singles at public auction over the years, and this is only the sixth example we have offered in the past 22 years. Landis served as commissioner of baseball from 1921 until his death in 1944. He was elected to the Hall of Fame that same year by virtue of a special election. The date September 18, 1922 noted on this ball is quite significant. It represents the day the St. Louis Browns battled the New York Yankees to determine first place of the American League. When the third game of this series, titled the "Little World Series," took place, the Yankees still had a half game lead for first place. The Browns struck first to carry a 2-0 lead through seven innings, but the Yankees fought back to score three runs in the final two innings. They went on to win the series to remain in first place. Still to this day, it is considered by many to be the most heartbreaking loss in St. Louis baseball history. The ball has heavy soiling and scattered abrasions. The manufacturer's stampings are faded a bit, but still remain legible. In Fair to Good condition overall. Auction LOA from James Spence/JSA.