Through their first seven seasons, the New York Mets endured what was far and away the most woeful stretch in baseball history. Their resumé reads as follows: five last-place finishes, two ninth-place finishes and five seasons of 100-plus losses. Then, overnight, the 1969 version logged 100 regular-season triumphs, proceeded to sweep the Atlanta Braves in the first-ever NLCS and disposed of the heavily favored Baltimore Orioles in relatively easy fashion in the World Series. Team signed 1969 Mets baseballs are without a doubt rare, but one signed during the era (not a reunion ball) with an authentic Gil Hodges signature on the sweet spot, that’s a whole different story! Offered here is an Official National League (Giles) baseball signed by 29 members of the World Champion New York Mets. Notable signees include: Gil Hodges, Donn Clendenon, Tommie Agee, Yogi Berra (coach), Ed Yost (coach), Cal Koonce, Ed Kranepool, Cleon Jones, Bud Harrelson, Jerry Grote, Ron Taylor, Tom Seaver, Art Shamsky (signed twice), Wayne Garrett, Don Cardwell, Joe Pigantano (coach), J.C. Martin, Bobby Pfeil, Jerry Koosman, Gary Gentry, Al Weiss, Jack DiLauro, Jim McAndrew, Danny Frisella, Ed Charles, Rod Gaspar, Ken Boswell, and one other. Signed mostly in blue ballpoint, with Hodges signing in black on the sweet spot, adding to the allure of his signature. In overall fine condition with some toning and fading to the signatures.
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