7/2/1950 Willie Mays Jr. Signed Baseball

Willie Mays’ Earliest Signed Baseball: A Historic Treasure

A Glimpse into Baseball History

In the realm of baseball memorabilia, few items carry the weight of history and significance as profoundly as this Official Interstate League baseball. Dated from 1950, it bears the signature of a young Willie Mays, then just nineteen years old, during his tenure with the Trenton Giants, a Class B member of the Interstate League. This remarkable artifact stands as the earliest known signed baseball by Mays, offering a rare glimpse into the nascent stages of a legendary career.

Unique Signature and Historical Context

The signature on this baseball is not just any autograph; it reads “Willie Mays Jr.,” a style he abandoned upon reaching the major leagues a year later. Presented to us as game-used, this baseball is a testament to Mays’ early promise and burgeoning talent. According to the ball’s original owner, it was obtained during a Trenton Giants game on July 2, 1950, a day marked by the Giants’ clash with the Sunbury A’s. This date and the event are inscribed on the ball, adding layers of historical context and authenticity.

Signatures and Inscriptions

• Willie Mays Jr.: The signature that marks the beginning of a Hall of Fame career.
• Eric Rodin and Ted Heitschmidt: Their signatures accompany the inscription “Fouled This Ball.”
• Ace Bell: Another player whose signature graces this historic piece.
• Game Details: Inscribed with “Trenton Giants vs. Sunbury A’s” and “All These Players Hit Homers In This Game.”

This baseball is more than a collectible; it is a narrative of a game that saw multiple home runs, a testament to the vibrant and competitive spirit of the era.

Condition and Accompaniment

The baseball exhibits moderate to heavy soiling, indicative of its age and the storied past it represents. Accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity (LOA) from JSA and PSA/DNA, this piece is not only a collector’s dream but also a verified artifact of baseball history. Such documentation enhances its value and assures its place among the most coveted items in sports memorabilia auctions.

Why This Baseball Matters

This baseball is not merely an item; it is a piece of history, capturing a moment in time when a young Willie Mays was on the cusp of greatness. As the only known baseball signed with his early “Jr.” style, it holds unparalleled significance for collectors and fans alike. For those looking to consign baseball jerseys or other memorabilia, this piece sets a benchmark for rarity and historical importance.

In acquiring this baseball, one is not just purchasing a collectible but embracing a fragment of baseball history, a symbol of Willie Mays’ enduring legacy and the indelible mark he left on the game. Explore more about such iconic pieces in our baseball auctions and discover the stories behind each artifact.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.