Lot # 987: 1964 World Champion St. Louis Cardinals Team-Signed ONL/Giles Baseball with (23) Signatures Including Bob Gibson, Lou Brock, Ken Boyer, Curt Flood

Recall an improbable championship run, with this 1964 St. Louis Cardinals team-signed baseball. A highly unlikely scenario Hollywood couldn't have dreamed up, saw the Cardinals emerge as World Series champions. With 12 games to play in the regular season, the Philadelphia Phillies held a commanding 6-1/2 game lead. While the Phillies were "pholding in phlames", the Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds made determined charges to the finish line. In the end the Cardinals owned the slimmest possible 1-game lead over the tied for second Phils and Reds, giving them a shot at the mighty New York Yankees in the Fall Classic. Heroes Bob Gibson, Ken Boyer and Tim McCarver led the Cardinals to a tough 7-game triumph over the Yankees, with Gibson earning the Series MVP award. These heroes and the rest of the never-say-die Cardinals are remembered, with this weathered ONL/Giles baseball, which hosts (23) period signatures, under a thin layer of shellac.

Featured signers are:

Sweet spot: Johnny Keane (manager, d.1967);

North panel: Curt Simmons, Gordie Richardson, Vern Benson (coach), Mike Shannon, Bob Humphrey, Lou Brock (HOF);

South panel: "Red" Schoendienst (HOF, coach), Tim McCarver, Howie Pollett (coach, d.1974), Dal Maxvill, Ed Spezio;

East panel: Ron Taylor, Bob Skinner, Curt Flood, Ray Washburn, Bill White, Barney Schultz;

West panel: Joe Schultz (coach), Ken Boyer (d.1982), Charlie James, Carl Warwick, Bob Gibson (HOF).

Auction LOA from James Spence/JSA.