1939 Inaugural Hall of Fame First Day Cover Signed By Cobb, Young, Foxx, Speaker, Ott, Hornsby & Others
(PSA/DNA NM 7)
The 1939 Baseball Centennial First Day Cover: A Historic Treasure
A Celebration of Baseball’s Centennial
In 1939, the United States celebrated the centennial of its beloved National Pastime, baseball. This momentous occasion was marked by numerous ceremonies and events across the nation, culminating in the grand opening of the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. This rural town, steeped in the legend of Abner Doubleday, became the spiritual and physical home of baseball, enshrining the game’s greatest players in its hallowed halls.
The Inaugural Hall of Fame Inductees
Beginning in 1936, sportswriters were tasked with selecting the greatest players in baseball history. The first ballot saw the election of iconic figures such as Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Christy Mathewson, Walter Johnson, and Honus Wagner. By June 12, 1939, the Hall of Fame opened its doors, welcoming almost all living inductees to the ceremony. To commemorate this historic event, the United States Postal Service issued a special stamp celebrating the 100th anniversary of baseball.
A Unique Collectible: The 1939 First Day Cover
Presented here is an original 1939 Baseball Centennial First Day Cover, a remarkable piece of baseball memorabilia signed by 16 Hall of Famers. Among these signatures are five members of the first four induction classes, including the legendary Ty Cobb and Cy Young. This collection of autographs, all now long deceased, represents a veritable who’s who of baseball royalty:
- Ty Cobb (died 1961)
- Cy Young (d. 1955)
- Tris Speaker (d. 1958)
- Eddie Collins (d. 1951)
- George Sisler (d. 1973)
- Jimmie Foxx (d. 1967)
- Rogers Hornsby (d. 1963)
- Mel Ott (d. 1956)
- Charles “Kid” Nichols (d. 1953)
- Mickey Cochrane (d. 1962)
- Carl Hubbell (d. 1998)
- Ed Walsh (d. 1959)
- Fred Clarke (d. 1960)
- Pie Traynor (d. 1972)
- Charlie Gehringer (d. 1993)
- Hugh Duffy (d. 1954)
The autographs, predominantly in black ink, vary in strength, with Mel Ott’s signature rated at an impressive 9/10. The envelope itself remains in pristine condition, free from creases and with minimal toning. The back of the envelope features eight of the signers’ names penciled in, adding to its historical allure.
A Rare and Coveted Artifact
This First Day Cover is a rare gem, PSA/DNA slabbed with an overall grade of NM 7. It is considered the holy grail of First Day Covers, especially those signed by all 11 “original” inductees who were alive to attend their enshrinement. Originally sourced from Ira Seebacher, a prominent New York sportswriter and early Hall of Fame voter, this cover was personally signed by each inductee during the 1940 induction ceremony.
For collectors and enthusiasts, this First Day Cover is not just a piece of sports memorabilia; it is a tangible connection to the legends of baseball’s past. Its rarity and historical significance make it a prized possession for any serious collector. If you are interested in exploring more baseball collectibles for sale, Grey Flannel Auctions offers a wide array of items that capture the essence of America’s favorite pastime.
* This text was generated from the original auction listing.