Lot 203. Dodgers Book with a Very Early Autograph of Pirates Broadcaster Bob Prince. Frank Graham wrote this 248-page book, The Brooklyn Dodgers: An Informal History. Published in 1945, it is nm in a vg dust jacket. What separates this copy of the book, probably from every other copy, is that it is autographed by Bob Prince, the famed Pittsburgh Pirates broadcaster. His personalized signature, dated 1945, is on the front end-page: “To Davey from Bob Prince 12/24/45.” Prince was the voice of the Pirates for 28 years beginning in 1948. Prince’s signature is a 10. “The Gunner” died in 1985. Authenticated by Kevin Keating.
Winning Bid $55.
Lot 204. 45 Autographs of Early 1950s Pittsburgh Pirates. These autographs are predominantly in blue fountain pen on 11” x 12 ½” scrapbook pages. They are overwhelmingly 9s and 10s. A Chicago collector obtained them in person at ballparks and hotels. A title page from the scrapbook holds 23 autographs. Eight more are on pages that contain magazine photos of the players. The rest are on pages that have had the photos removed. The list: Cal Abrams (1924-97), Toby Atwell (1924-2003), Carlos Bernier (1927-89, tough autograph, home in Puerto Rico, played only one major league season), Rog Bowman (1927-97), Pete Castiglione, Dick Cole, Murray Dickson (1916-89), El Roy Face, Bob Friend, John Fitzpatrick (1904-90, coach, 1953-55), Joe Garagiola, Bob Hall (1923-83), Fred Haney (1898-1977), John Hetki , Vic Janowicz (1930-96), Ralph Kiner, Nick Koback, Paul LaPalme, John Lindell (1916-85), Bill MacDonald 1929-91), George Metkovich (1920-95, Eddie O’Brien, Johnny O’Brien, Danny O’Connell (1927-69), Eddie Pellagrini, Howie Pollet (1921-74), Bill Posedel (1906-89), Hal Rice (1924-97, another toughie), Mike Sandlock, Paul Smith, Frank Thomas and Jim Waugh. Great early 1950s Pirates collection! Authenticated by Kevin Keating.
Winning Bid $204.
Lot 205. Signed Photos of 5 1950s Pittsburgh Pirates – Groat, Face, Friend, Etc. The photos are signed by El Roy Face, Hank Foiles, Bob Friend, Dick Groat (St. Louis Cardinals uniform) and Frank Thomas. The signatures are mint 10s, and all but Foiles’ come with an autograph ticket from a Robert Morris (Pittsburgh) show. Authenticated by Kevin Keating.
Winning Bid $25.
Lot 206. Kiner, Maz, Stargell Signed Perez-Steele Postcards + Unsigned Clemente. Ralph Kiner, Bill Mazeroski and Willie Stargell signed in blue sharpie, all 10s. Maz added “HoF 01.” For “vintage” Pirates fans, these four players bring back some fantastic memories. Rosie Rowswell announcing Kiner’s many homeruns on KDKA Radio. Maz hitting the game-winning home run against the Yankees in the 1960 World Series. “Pop’s” contributions to the Pirates during his 20-year career. Perhaps Clemente’s greatest memories involve the Pirates’ World Series victory over the Baltimore Orioles in 1971. Stargell passed away in 2001. The 38-year-old Clemente was killed in a plane crash in 1972. Add a cut signature for Clemente and frame the four postcards with a title “Fond Memories of Four Pirate Greats.” Authenticated by Kevin Keating.
Winning Bid $102.
Lot 207. 1971 Pirates Yearbook Signed by Pie Traynor, Wes Westrum. Three Rivers opened in 1971 as the new home of the Pirates and Steelers. This 104-page yearbook is the revised edition. Traynor (died 1972) signed the front cover in blue sharpie. The signature rates a 10. “Wes” Westrum (d. 2002) also signed the front cover in blue sharpie. His signature, also a 10, appears directly below Traynor’s. Authenticated by Kevin Keating.
Winning Bid $92.
Lot 208. Jason Bay Single-Signed Baseball. A new book identifies Bay, a solid performer on the hapless Pittsburgh baseball team, as one of the most underrated outfielders of all time. The Bay signature in black sharpie on the sweet spot of an Official League Franklin baseball is an 8-9. The ball is nm-m. Authenticated by Kevin Keating.
Winning Bid $25.
