Wayne Gretzky 14-Year-Old Signed & Doodled #99 Autographed Practice Sheet Framed Display

Wayne Gretzky’s Early Signature: A Rare Piece of Hockey History

The Genesis of a Legend

Born and raised in Brantford, Ontario, Wayne Gretzky’s journey to becoming the greatest hockey player in history began on a humble backyard rink. From a young age, Gretzky demonstrated an extraordinary talent, playing at levels far beyond his years. By the age of six, he was competing with 10-year-olds, a testament to his prodigious skills. Despite the oversized sweaters of his older teammates, Gretzky’s unique style emerged, characterized by tucking his sweater into his pants—a signature look that followed him throughout his illustrious NHL career.

A Glimpse into the Past

We are proud to present an exceptionally rare and historic artifact: the earliest known example of Wayne Gretzky practicing his iconic signature and the number ’99’. This piece is not just a sports memorabilia item; it is a window into the formative years of a young prodigy. At the age of 14, while playing for the Toronto Nationals, Gretzky was already receiving autograph requests, prompting him to refine his signature. This sheet, featuring four embryonic iterations of his autograph in blue ballpoint pen, is a testament to his early recognition of the importance of a fast and legible signature.

Provenance and Presentation

This historic sheet comes directly from Bill Cornish, who was Wayne’s legal handler during his time with the Toronto/Seneca Nationals from 1975 to 1977. The sheet measures 6”x9” and includes additional doodles, such as the number ‘#99’, which Gretzky would later adopt after joining the Greyhounds in 1977-78. The provenance is further supported by a full JSA Letter of Authenticity, affirming that “The inscriptions were penned in the hand of Wayne Gretzky.”

• Historic Significance: The earliest known example of Gretzky’s signature and use of ’99’.
• Unique Provenance: Directly from Bill Cornish, Gretzky’s legal handler during his early career.
• Authenticity: Accompanied by a full JSA Letter of Authenticity.
• Presentation: Matted and framed in a 13” x 26” display, complete with a vintage black and white photo of a teenage Gretzky.

A Piece of Hockey Heritage

This artifact is more than just a piece of paper; it is a fragment of hockey history, capturing the early aspirations and burgeoning talent of Wayne Gretzky. As the NHL’s all-time leading scorer and a player whose jersey number 99 is retired league-wide, Gretzky’s legacy is unparalleled. This item offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of that legacy, a tangible connection to the formative years of “The Great One.”

For those passionate about hockey memorabilia, this is an unparalleled opportunity to acquire a truly unique piece. Whether you are a seasoned collector or a devoted fan, this artifact is a testament to Gretzky’s enduring impact on the sport. Explore more about this and other exceptional NHL items consignment at Grey Flannel Auctions, where history and passion converge.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.