Christy Mathewson & Grover Cleveland Alexander Signed NL Baseball PSA DNA & JSA

Details

1919 Grover Cleveland Alexander & Christy Mathewson Signed Baseball.

Two of the greatest pitchers of the Dead Ball Era are likewise among the toughest of prey for autograph hunters, so to encounter both sharing space upon a single horsehide panel is about as shocking a baseball development as this season’s American League wild card chase. This pair shared much more than mastery of the mound and inaugural class Hall of Fame credentials, however, as each was profoundly affected by his recent World War I service. Mathewson had been accidentally gassed during a training exercise in France, the catalyst for the tuberculosis that would ultimately claim his life. Alexander was rendered partially deaf by an exploding shell in France, returning to the United States suffering from shell shock and epileptic seizures.

Quite possibly this ball dates to an event recognizing their service, or perhaps simply a meeting of the Giants (for whom Mathewson was a coach in 1919) and the Cubs (for whom Alexander pitched). We must report that Mathewson’s signature has been expertly enhanced. The Alexander autograph below remains original without enhancement. The other panels exhibit similar areas of damage to the hide but no other autographs. Official National League (Heydler) ball. Full LOA from James Spence Authentication. Full LOA from PSA/DNA.

D#A37