1946 World Series RED SOX Ball 26 Signatures Signed

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1946 World Series Red Sox baseball with 26 signatures Ted Williams, David 'Boo' Ferriss, Lefty Grove, Bobby Doerr, Joe Cronin , and more! This ball comes with the original Letter of Authenticity given to me by my father, Stanley Whitten. The Letter not only authenticates the signatures it gives a detailed history of the ball itself.This ball is extra special due to the fact that star Red Sox pitcher David 'Boo' Ferriss gatd the signatures during the 1946 World Series. The ball was then given to Charles 'Boots' Merritt. Boo and Boots were best friends growing up in Mississippi.This ball was signed with care, because Boo was asking for the signatures. The love this ball received as it was passed around the bullpen makes it a true one-of-a-kind piece of American, Boston, and Mississippi history.Ferriss was highly respected by his fellow players; especially after pitching the 4 to 0 win against the Cardinals in game 3 of the 1946 World Series. Ferriss most likely gatd the signatures during that game and presented it to Merritt afterwards. Merritt was at game 3 watching his best friend pitch the biggest Red Sox win of the 1946 series.This ball is unlike your typical run-of-the-mill scribbled-on baseball that most sports memorabilia dealers offer. It carries high quality signatures that are crisp and clear, stacked uniformly on each side of the ball.After researching the 26 signatures, I have identified 25 of the 1946 World Series player, coach and spectator signatures on this official 1946 World Series ball. The 26th signature could be Red Sox outfielder Leon Culberson, but the first name appears to read "Ely" so I'm not sure about that one.This rare item carries the signatures of four Hall of Fame players, including three with retired numbers: Joe Cronin, Bobby Doerr and Ted Williams. Only 6 Red Sox players have ever had the honor of a retired number.Remarkably the fourth Hall of Fame signer is Lefty Grove whose name is not necessarily associated with the 1946 World Series. He was a spectator and friend of Boo's at that 1946 World Series game. His signature is especially rare, particularly in this remarkable condition. According to Antiques Roadshow sports memorabilia appraiser Simeon Lipman, Lefty Grove's signature is "very desirable."You've probably noticed already that Ted Williams signed the sweet spot. Williams remains an all-time greatest hitter as his record-breaking .400+ season remains unachievable still by any of today's great players.Ferriss went on to become the athletic director and head baseball coach at Delta State University. It was in his home state that he launched one of the most successful baseball programs Mississippi has ever had. He was inducted to Red Sox Hall of Fame in 2002.Bid with confidence. This piece of history will only continue to increase in value as the Red Sox continue to win more and more World Series. The curse is broken!In addition to Ted Williams on the sweet spot this ball carrying the following signitures: Mike Ryba (1941-46); David 'Boo' Ferriss (1945-50); Tom Carey (1939-42, 1946); Paul Campbell (1941-42, 1946); Bill Zuber (1946-47); Del Baker (1945-48, 1953-60); 1931 American League MVP, 2-time American League Triple Crown Winner, and 6-time American League All-Star Lefty Grove (1934-41) 7-Time American League All-Star Dom DiMaggio (1940-42, 1946-53); Johnny Lazor (1943-46); Larry Woodall (1942-48); 3-time American League All-Star Tex Hughson (1941-44, 1946-49); 1946 American League All-Star Johnny Pesky (1942,46-52); Coach Paul Schreiber (1946-58); Joe Cronin (1935-45) Eddie Pellagrini (1946-47); Ed McGah (1946-47); Bill Butland (1940, 1942, 1946-47); George Metkovich (1943-46); 7-time American League All-Star Rudy York (1946-47); Mickey Harris (1940-41, 1946-49) Hal Wagner (1944, 1946-47); Charles Wagner (1938-42, 1946); Clem Dreisewerd (1944-46); Leon Culberson? (1943-47); 9-time A... read more

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