This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 7/8/2004.
In 1931 Hall of Fame manager Connie Mack led a team of some of the baseball's greatest players on a goodwill tour of Japan designed to introduce the country to what had become America's pastime. The event was such a success that he returned three years later with an even more impressive lineup. The 1934 tour of the Far East was different than the first. Mack was able to convince Babe Ruth to join the team. Offered is an Official American League baseball (William Harridge, Commisioner) signed by 20 who participated in the ten game tour including Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig (both on the same side panel, ideal for display), Jimmie Foxx, Earl Averill, Connie Mack, Lefty Gomez, Moe Berg, Frank J (Lefty) O'Doul, Chas Gehringer, Bing Miller, Earl Whitehill, Cascarella (last name only), Doc Ebbing, Eric McNair, Frank Hayes, and signatures from several others that are not ball players but were likely related to the American entourage in some regard. All are done in black ink rating a conservative 6 to 9 with the most significant falling toward the higher end (Babe and Lou are among the best). The ball itself shows an even tone with the league stamping still dark and bold. This piece is fresh to the hobby and comes to us directly from Japan along with the Jimmie Foxx single signed baseball offered elsewhere in this auction. One can only imagine how the young Japanese boy who acquired the autographs felt in the presence of the American ball players who had received a reception normally reserved for royalty. The autographs come with a letter from PSA/DNA.