Lot # 1003: 1973 Philadelphia Phillies Team-Signed ONL/Feeney Baseball with (31) Signatures Including Steve Carlton & Rookie Year Mike Schmidt

A winning nucleus was forming, when the 1973 Philadelphia Phillies signed this ONL/Feeney baseball. When baseball began divisional play in 1969, the Phillies spent the first five seasons battling the expansion Montreal Expos for last place in the newly formed NL East. Rick Wise was swapped for Steve Carlton after the 1971 season, and the farm system started bearing choice fruits. By 1974, the Fightin' Phils were in contention, thanks to key players who have contributed signatures to this 1973 Phillies period signed ball.

Topping the list of signers are Steve Carlton, and 1973 rookies Mike Schmidt and Bob Boone. Along with Schmidt and Boone, the other notable farm products present and accounted for are Greg Luzinski, Larry Bowa, Denny Doyle, Dick Ruthven, Wayne Twitchell, and Larry Christenson. Imports on the '73 squad who impacted the Phils fortunes, are Del Unser, Bill Robinson, Willie Montanez, and Jim Lonborg. The (31) total signatures range ("6" to "9"), and the vintage ball remains attractive, with distinct factory labeling stamps.

The complete list of signers is:

Sweet spot: Bob Boone (rookie year signature);

North panel: Mike Wallace, Carroll Berenger (coach), Terry Harmon, Bobby Wine (coach), Greg Luzinski, Joe Pagan, Ken Brett;

South panel: Tommy Hutton, Billy Grabarkewitz, Ron Diorio, Mike Anderson, Mike Ryan, Jim Lonborg, Billy Robinson, Cesar Tovar;

East panel: Del Unser, Barry Lersch, Mike Rogodzinski, Steve Carlton (HOF), Jim Essian, Willie Montanez, Gary Culver, Mike Schmidt (HOF, rookie year signature);

West panel: Wayne Twitchell, Ray Ripplemeyer (coach), Craig Robinson, Denny Doyle, Bill Wilson, Dick Ruthven, Larry Bowa.

Auction LOA from James Spence/JSA.