Over parts of eight decades as a player, manager and owner, the venerable Connie Mack mentored countless diamond legends who paved the way for our national pastime. A bridge from the nineteenth century through the “dead ball” era, Ruth’s dominance and “the golden age of baseball,” the 1937 National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee was a humble witness to a lifetime of excellence on the diamond. As such, countless keepsakes crossed paths with “The Tall Tactician” as he graciously satisfied numerous autograph requests.

 

However, when a Cornelius McGillicuddy/Connie Mack dual-signed and inscribed baseball was consigned to Huggins & Scott Auctions, the question was inevitably asked: “Is this the only full name Connie Mack signed ball in existence?” Barring future finds, the offered Connie Mack (d.1956) is the most comprehensive signed ball of the Philadelphia Athletics icon to have been offered for public sale. The red-stitched OAL Harridge ball is penned in both black and blue ink. Despite mild panel abrasions the (“5”) sphere projects the bold (“7-8”) signatures magnificently well. The entire piece reads as follows: Sweet Spot: Cornelius McGillicuddy (spans nearly 4”); North Panel: 65 Years in Base Ball, Connie Mack, 86 Born in 1862 December 23rd and South Panel: Connie Mack 23rd 1943.     

 

An incredible one-in-a-lifetime artifact that comes with a full LOA from James Spence/JSA with the notation that “The inscription was penned in the hand of Connie Mack.”

 

  Opening Bid $1,000.