Prospects were dim for the 1943 New York Giants squad, however fortune smiled on this first day cover, signed by this last place team. In a pleasant twist of fate, the (2) most important autographs of the (22) appearing on this 1939 Baseball Centennial FDC, are among the boldest with Hall of Famers Mel Ott ("9.5," d.1958), and Carl Hubbell ("8.5," d.1988). Other standout signatures belong to long-deceased Dolph Luque ("7.5," d.1957, coach), and Mickey Witek ("8.5," d.1990).



The balance of the autographs average ("6"-"7") with: Hall of Famer Ernie Lombardi (d.1977); notables: Sid Gordon (d.1975), Van Mungo (d.1985), Harry Feldman (d.1962), Gus Mancuso (d.1984, signed on the back), Bill Jurges (d.1997, signed on the back); and the rest: John Rucker (d.1985), Ken Chase (d.1985), John Wittig (d.1999), Ray Berres (d.2007), Cliff Melton (d.1986), "Bubber" Jonnard (d.1977, coach), "Ace" Adams (d.2006), Bill Lohrman (d.1999), "Buster" Maynard (d.1977), Bill Sayles (d.1996), "Rube" Fischer (d.1997) and Hugh East (d.1981).



Full LOA from James Spence/JSA. Opening Bid $300.