Albersheim's 2015 November Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/14/2015
Red-stitched ball (manufacturer's stampings no longer visible) signed by Hall of Fame first-baseman Jim Bottomley. "Sunny Jim" has inscribed the ball in black fountain pen "Mrs. N. E. [last name illegible, appears to read "Spielar"]/Best Wishes/Jim Bottomley." Both the text and signature are affected by a few small abrasions, otherwise we grade both a "6." Jim Bottomley single-signed balls are exceedingly rare. This is the first Jim Bottomley single-signed ball example we have ever offered and we have only seen or heard of only a few others (though of course there may be additional examples of which we are unaware). Their great rarity is no doubt largely a result of timing: Bottomley died in 1959 but wasn't elected to the Hall of Fame until 1974. Also, the majority of his retirement years were spent as a cattle rancher, so he was not nearly as accessible to fans as were most other former players.
Bottomley was one of the top hitters of his era, batting over .300 in nine of his first eleven seasons with the St. Louis cardinals between the years 1922 and 1932. Both a former home run and RBI champion, as well as the 1928 National League MVP, Bottomley finished his sixteen-year career with a .310 average, 219 home runs, and 1,422 RBI.
The ball is moderately toned and displays a number of large and small abrasions. In Good condition overall.
Letter of Authenticity from Richard Albersheim and Full JSA Letter.