Exceptionally High-Grade Christy Mathewson Signed Won In The Ninth Book No. 352

Christy Mathewson’s Signed Presentation Copy of “Won in the Ninth”

A Rare Piece of Baseball History

We are delighted to present an extraordinary piece of baseball memorabilia—a signed presentation copy of Christy Mathewson’s first children’s book, Won in the Ninth. Published in 1910 by R. J. Bodmer Company of New York, this book is a testament to the legendary Hall of Fame pitcher for the New York Giants. Mathewson’s signature graces a 3½” x 4¼” white paper label on the interior front cover, inscribed in black fountain pen. The label reads, “Presentation Copy No. 352 Won in the Ninth To Mr. W. Keenholts with the Compliments of Christy Mathewson,” and is rated a remarkable 9 in our opinion.

Christy Mathewson: A Legend of the Deadball Era

Christy Mathewson was a dominant right-handed pitcher, celebrated as the finest of the Deadball Era’s first decade. Over 17 seasons, he achieved a phenomenal 2.13 ERA and set modern National League records for wins in a single season (37), career victories (373), and consecutive 20-win seasons (12). His legacy is immortalized not only in his pitching prowess but also in his literary contributions to young sports enthusiasts.

The Book’s Unique Features

This first edition hardcover is introduced on the first interior text page as “Won in the Ninth by Christopher Mathewson The Famous Pitcher of the New York Giants the First of a Series of Stories for Boys on Sports to be Known as The Matty Books Edited by W. W. Aulick The Well-Known Writer on Sports Illustrations by Felix Mahony.” The book’s green cloth cover features the title and Mathewson’s name in dark green embossed type, complemented by a 3¼” x 5½” tipped-in black-and-white photograph of Mathewson pitching.

• Illustrated Plates: The final 15 pages include illustrated plates titled “The Fade-Away and Other Deceptive Curves as Held and Delivery by Christy Mathewson,” with black-and-white photographs and illustrations of Mathewson’s hand holding a baseball in various ways.
• Historical Context: These illustrations are excerpted from Mathewson’s earlier book, How to Play Baseball, providing a deeper insight into his techniques and strategies.

Provenance and Authenticity

This exceptional piece is accompanied by a Letter of Provenance from the consignor’s family and a Full LOA from JSA, grading it an 8. Such documentation enhances the book’s value and authenticity, making it a coveted item for collectors and enthusiasts of sports memorabilia.

For those interested in expanding their baseball collection, this signed copy of Won in the Ninth offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of baseball history. It stands as a testament to Christy Mathewson’s enduring legacy, both on the field and in the literary world.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.