

Lot # 1039 (of 1560)   < Previous Lot | Next Lot >

1963 New York Mets Team-Signed Ball with Stengel

Starting Bid - $200, Sold For - $1,293

Official National League (Giles) ball signed in blue ink by the following twenty members of the 1963 New York Mets: Stengel (Mgr., sweet spot), Smith, Sherry, Schreiber, Hook, Willey, Anderson, Carmel, Kanehl, Hemus (coach), Jackson, Beamarth, Hunt, Bauta, Stallard, Hickman, Cannizzaro, Powell, Hicks, and Cisco. This ball is noteworthy for the fact that it features an authentic Casey Stengel signature on the sweet spot. The vast majority of Stengel signatures found on New York Mets team balls from the early 1960s are classic secretarial examples. This ball is one of the rare exceptions and is further distinguished by its extraordinary condition. All of the signatures are boldly penned, ranging between "8" and "10," and aside from some light age toning on two side panels, the ball is in Near Mint condition. The 1963 New York Mets finished in last place with a record of 51-111, which, for most teams, would represent a record for futility. For the Mets it marked a vast improvement from the club's 1962 inaugural season, which saw them lose a Major League record 120 games. Early New York Mets team balls are seldom seen in the hobby, especially high-grade examples. This is one of the finest examples we have ever seen and one that would surely rank among the highlights of any advanced New York Mets collection. LOA from James Spence/JSA. Reserve $200. Estimate $400/$600. SOLD FOR $1,293
