This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/8/2017
There is arguably no greater icon in American baseball history not named Ruth than Brooklyn Dodgers pioneer Jackie Robinson. Robinson's success on the diamond not only paved the way for integration of the sport but served as the precursor to other landmark moments for racial equality in American history, most notably the Brown vs. Board of Education case of 1954 and the 1964 Civil Rights act. When Dodgers owner Branch Rickey signed Robinson to a minor league contract in 1946, he understood that breaking an unwritten rule of segregation could only succeed if the "right man" was chosen. Bypassing more accomplished Negro League stars, what Rickey liked about Robinson was that he possessed the skills to succeed at the big league level but with his background as a college educated, multi-sport star at UCLA and an honorably discharged officer from the United States Army who had been the subject of racial prejudice in the past, he had the discipline to show restraint in the face of tremendous resistance and constant threats targeting himself and his family. Despite backlash from spectators, opponents and even members of his own team, Jackie earned Rookie of the Year honors in 1947 behind a .297 batting average, 12 homers and a league-leading 29 stolen bases. In what was perhaps a turning point in Robinson's rocky introduction to the league, teammate and fellow Hall of Famer Pee Wee Reese, who famously stated, "You can hate a man for many reasons. Color is not one of them." put his arm around Robinson as a show of support in the face of Cincinnati Reds fans shouting racial slurs. Another ally in Robinson's corner was Commissioner Happy Chandler. Faced with a widespread walkout of National League players in protest, Chandler issued a statement: "I do not care if half the league strikes. Those who do it will encounter quick retribution. All will be suspended and I don't care if it wrecks the National League for five years. This is the United States of America and one citizen has as much right to play as another." In all, Robinson enjoyed a 10-year career that included National League MVP honors, an NL batting crown and six consecutive All-Star game appearances. If you're an advanced autograph collector, you really need to consider making a run at this Jackie Robinson single-signed baseball, fresh to the hobby and the finest example in existence. The customary side-panel signature with "Best Wishes" inscription is a hallmark of Jackie Robinson signed balls, but the depth, boldness and even flow of the blue ball-point pen signature and brightness of the Emery Johnson brand baseball is unsurpassed in quality. The authenticators agree, receiving approval by the autograph experts at JSA, SGC and PSA/DNA, with SGC and PSA/DNA both giving the ball an overall score of 9 MINT. Even with the groundbreaking MINT assessment by both SGC and PSA/DNA, we find the evaluation to be conservative given the virtually perfect appearance of the item. A piece that could easily be under glass in Cooperstown's Baseball Hall of Fame, this incredible opportunity to acquire an absolutely pristine example of a single signed Jackie Robinson ball may never come again. Full LOAs from JSA, SGC (with an overall grade of 9 MINT) and PSA/DNA (with an overall grade of 9 MINT).