This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/31/2019
It was Neil Armstrong who famously declared, as he descended the ladder of Apollo XI to the powdery, white surface below,"One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." But the sentiment is just as appropriate for the brave first step that Jackie Robinson took across baseball's unjust color line twenty-two years earlier, when racial equality seemed just as distant as the Moon for millions of Americans living beneath the shadow of Jim Crow. Offered here is true relic for a baseball collector, a game used Official American League (Harridge) baseball signed by the color barrier breaking Dodger in blue ballpoint pen on his typical side panel. It is believed that this ball may have originated from a World Series game between the Dodgers and the Yankees in one of their famous matchups between 1947 and 1953, early in Robinson's career. The ball shows consistent use on all panels, providing it with some real character! The autograph remains superb, with no breaks or skips. Single signed baseballs by Robinson are among the most desirable in the collector's market, and adding the game use - potentially in an acclaimed "Subway Series" - this is a collectible not to be missed! Accompanied by a full Letter of Authenticity from James Spence Authentication (JSA) with a letter from Iconic Auctions guaranteeing game use.