Auction Archive

Bert Blyleven 3,000th Strikeout Actual Game-Used & Inscribed Baseball

(Blyleven LOA)

SOLD FOR $6,436
I Have One To Sell Make An Offer
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
219
89
$2,500
9

Bert Blyleven’s 3,000th Strikeout Baseball: A Historic Artifact

A Legendary Pitcher’s Milestone

Hall of Fame pitcher Bert Blyleven, renowned for his exceptional career spanning 22 seasons across five major league teams, achieved a remarkable milestone on August 1, 1986. This date marks a significant chapter in baseball history as Blyleven, pitching for the Minnesota Twins, delivered a masterful performance against the Oakland A’s. In a commanding 10-1 victory, Blyleven struck out 15 batters, tying the Twins’ single-game strikeout record. Among these strikeouts was his illustrious 3,000th, a moment immortalized by the very baseball used to achieve it.

The 3,000th Strikeout

In the fifth inning, with the count at 1-2 and one out, Blyleven faced Mike Davis. With precision and skill, he delivered a curveball that secured his 3,000th career strikeout. This monumental achievement is captured in the OAL (Brown) Rawlings baseball, which bears the inscription “3,000th K” in blue ink on the sweet spot. The ball is further adorned with detailed notations from the game, including:

  • “STRUCK OUT MIKE DAVIS 1-2 CURVEBALL 5th INNING 1 OUT”
  • “AUGUST 1, 1986 OAKLAND A’s”
  • “WON GAME 10-1”
  • “STRUCK OUT 15 BATTERS DURING GAME TIED TWINS STRIKEOUT RECORD”

This baseball was presented to us as game-used and shows appropriate wear, accompanied by a signed Letter of Provenance from Bert Blyleven himself.

A Coveted Piece of Baseball Memorabilia

The significance of this baseball extends beyond its physical form; it is a testament to Blyleven’s enduring legacy and his indelible mark on the sport. As a part of our esteemed baseball memorabilia auctions, this artifact offers collectors a rare opportunity to own a piece of MLB history. The ball’s inscriptions provide a vivid narrative of the game, capturing the essence of Blyleven’s prowess on the mound.

Why This Baseball Matters

  • Historical Significance: Represents Blyleven’s 3,000th strikeout, a milestone achieved by only a select few pitchers in MLB history.
  • Iconic Player: Blyleven’s career is celebrated for his exceptional skill and longevity, culminating in his Hall of Fame induction.
  • Unique Provenance: Accompanied by a signed Letter of Provenance from Blyleven, adding authenticity and value.
  • Condition and Story: The ball’s inscriptions and game-used wear tell a compelling story of a legendary performance.

Join the Legacy

This baseball is not merely a collectible; it is a symbol of Blyleven’s extraordinary career and a cherished piece of sports history. For those looking to expand their sports memorabilia collection, this artifact is a must-have. Whether you are a seasoned collector or a passionate fan, this baseball offers a tangible connection to one of baseball’s most celebrated pitchers. Explore more items like this in our MLB auctions and discover the stories behind each piece.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.

Scroll to Top