March 2017 Sports Card & Memorabilia Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/5/2017
This is a vintage Reach Official AL Baseball signed by baseball Hall of Famer Lefty Gomez and Dario Lodigiani (whose career wasn't the same after he served in WW2 for 3 years). Includes a JSA letter of authenticity. The baseball was coated many years ago to preserve the autographs. Hall of Fame autographs on vintage baseballs such as this old William Harridge baseball are highly desirable by collectors. Harridge was AL President from 1931 through the 1950s. Gomez autographs on baseballs are not as common as more recent Hall of Famers who played in the second half of the 20th century. Gomez played major league baseball from 1930 through 1943 for the New York Yankees and the Washington Senators. With the Yankees, he was a five-time World Series champion. He was known for his unique and playful humor and personality.
Gomez started his career with the Yankees in 1930 and was an All-Star every year between 1933 and 1939. After his retirement, he became a successful public speaker. Gomez was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972. Nicknamed "El Goofo" and "Goofy Gomez", he was known for his sense of humor both on and off the field. In one game, he came up to bat when it was slightly foggy. Bob Feller was on the mound and Gomez struck a match before stepping into the batter's box. "What's the big idea?" asked the umpire. "Do you think that match will help you see Feller's fast one?" Gomez replied, "No, I'm not concerned about that. I just want to make sure he can see me!" Another time, a reporter asked the noted brushback pitcher, "Is it true that you'd throw at your own mother?" Gomez replied, "You're damn right I would. She's a good hitter." Gomez also often remarked, "I'd rather be lucky than good."
Lodigiani entered the majors in 1938 with the Philadelphia Athletics, playing for them until 1940. He played with the Chicago White Sox (1941–42), and later served in the US Army Air Force during World War II (1943–45). After discharge, he rejoined the White Sox in 1946, his last major league season. In his rookie season with Philadelphia, Lodigiani posted a .280 batting average with six home runs and 44 RBI in 93 games. The next year he recorded career-highs in games (121), hits (102), runs (46), doubles (22), and matched his numbers in home runs and RBI while hitting .260.
Condition: G-VG
Lefty Gomez (HOF) Signed/Autographed Vintage Reach Official AL Baseball (William Harridge President) - JSA LOA (also signed by Dario Lodigiani)
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