Lot # 1101: Exceedingly Rare Clint Courtney Single-Signed ONL/Giles Baseball - JSA LOA

An exceedingly rare opportunity knocks, with the offering of this Clint Courtney single-signed baseball. Known as "Scrap Iron", the confrontational catcher enjoyed a lengthy career with several American League teams, that saw him involved in frequent on-field battles. His hard-nosed play, many altercations and long running feud with fiery Yankees second baseman Billy Martin, left him and opposing players battered with fractures, cuts and bruises, and not even the umpires were safe from being damaged.

While serving as the manager of the Atlanta Braves AAA Richmond affiliate, Courtney died of a heart attack during a 1975 road trip at the premature age of 48, reportedly while playing ping pong. Courtney showed his kinder, gentler side with the signing of this vintage ONL/Feeney baseball. Located on a side panel of this nicely preserved ball, Courtney's black fiber-tip pen signature is accompanied by the personalization "To Mike, Best Wishes". Full LOA from James Spence/JSA.