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The Pirates
7 Lots
 Lot 13. Incredibly Rare Pittsburgh Pirates 1925 Poster from the Pittsburgh Gazette Times. Only the second time in more than 30 years that we’ve seen this 19” x 28” poster, which recognizes the Pirates as National League 1925 Champs. These Pirates went on to become world champs by defeating Washington in a seven-game World Series. The poster, which probably hung in news stand, encourages readers to follow the Series in the Gazette Times, with special reports from Damon Runyon, Ring Lardner, Max Carey, the Pirates’ captain, John McGraw, Muddy Ruel and others. Near the center of the poster, Barney Dreyfuss, the Pirates’ president, is pictured with Carey and Bill McKechnie, the manager. Twenty-five other Pirates are pictured, including Pie Traynor and Kiki Cuyler. Carey was the series batting star. The poster has been folded twice, and there are tears along the folds, some of which are reinforced on the blank back with tape. There are some other tears along the edges, various creases, and chips and tack holes in the corners. It isn’t pristine, but it seldom turns up in any condition.
Winning Bid $198.
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 Lot 246. Framed Paul Waner, Lloyd Waner and Freddie Lindstrom Signatures with Photo! Big Poison, Little Poison and Lindstrom are shown in 1933-34 Pirates uniforms in this vintage reprint 10” x 12” photo, which is inside a 19” x 19” white, black and gold frame. The key signature is Paul Waner’s, a vintage example in red fountain pen on a news clipping that shows him in street clothes. The signature is a bold, sharp gem mint 10 unaffected by a crease in the clipping. Brother Lloyd’s autograph is a 10 on a gold HoF plaque postcard. Lindstrom’s is a signature cut that measures 1 ½” x 4”. It rates a 9-10. These three future Hall of Fame members played together only in 1933 and 1934. Paul was the first enshrined, in 1952; he died in 1965, and his autograph is uncommon. Lloyd entered the HoF in 1967, and Lindstrom in 1976. He died in 1981, and Lloyd in 1982. The photo and autographs add up to a showstopper! Authenticated by Kevin Keating.
Winning Bid $242.
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 Lot 247. Roberto Clemente Original 1956 and 1957 Black & White Photos. In a photo hand-dated 1957, Clemente signs a contract in Puerto Rico as Joe L. Brown, general manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates, and an official of a local team looks on. The 8” x 10” photo has a number of creases; the focus and contrast are excellent. Rare photo, one we’ve never seen before. The Hall of Fame right fielder shares a 7” x 9” International News Photos print with Frank Thomas, Lee Walls and Bill Virdon. Sharp photo, vg+, looks much better.
Winning Bid $332.
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 Lot 248. 1994 All-Star Game Baseballs Signed by 10 World Champion Pittsburgh Pirates. All of these official balls, which are nm-m or better, are single-signed. Unless otherwise noted, the signatures are gem mint 10s on the sweet spot. The players and their championship years follow: Joe Gibbon, 1960. He added additional information, including “1960 World Champs.” Don Leppert, 1971 as a coach, signature on north panel. Bob Oldis, 1960, nm-m 8 to mint 9 signature, added “1960 Pirates World Champs.” Jose Pagan, 1971, signature on the north panel, added “1971 – ‘Pirates’.” Manny Sanguillen, 1971 and 1979. Bob Skinner, 1960 as a player and 1979 as a coach. Chuck Tanner, 1979 manager, nm-m 8, added “’79 World Series Champs.” Kent Tekulve, 1979, signature on the west panel. Mickey Vernon, 1960, nm-m 8. George Witt, 1960, added “1960 World Champions.” Bonus: Tony Pena on a Rawlings Gold Glove Award ball, mint ball and signature. “Rip” Sewell, Pirates pitcher 1938-49, famous for his blooper pitch, ex-m 6 to nm 7 signature on the west panel of a generic mint ball. Each signature comes with a Letter of Authenticity from James Spence. Authenticated also by Kevin Keating.
Winning Bid $75.
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 Lot 249. 12 Pittsburgh Pirates Yearbooks, 1958-76 Including a 1958-64 Run. Roberto Clemente is in each of the yearbooks through 1973. Willie Stargell makes his first appearance in 1962. The list: 1958, Dick Stuart’s yearbook debut, stains on several inside pages, vg. 1959 vg-ex. 1960, first edition, minor pencil on front cover, vg. 1960, revised edition, Mizell added, Gross dropped, some player pictures changed; vg+ to ex with writing on two order forms. 1961, back cover missing, g. 1962, Law and Martinez pictures poorly printed, vg+ to ex. 1963 ex. 1964 ex+. 1966 vg+ to ex. 1968 vg, cover detached but present. 1973 vg+ with a few pages loose. 1976 p.
Winning Bid $204.
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 Lot 250. 2 Game-Used Bats Signed by Mazeroski, Other Mostly Early 1970s Pittsburgh Pirates. A late 1980s Benny Distefano Louisville Slugger S318 model bat has signatures of Bill Mazeroski, Manny Sanguillen, Bob Robertson, Bob Veale, Nellie Briles (died 2005), Dave Giusti, Steve Blass, Milt May, Rennie Stennett, Nellie King, Bill Virdon and Frank Thomas, who added “The Original One, 1951-1966.” The Stennett signature grades ex-m 6 to nm 7. The others are bold, averaging mint 9. The 34 ½” bat shows good game use and has a cracked handle with a small section of wood missing. A 1976 Bill Russell Hillerich & Bradsby K55 model bat with the Bicentennial logo has signatures of Bill Virdon, Milt May, Bob Robertson, Bob Veale, Rennie Stennett and Nellie Briles. The Stennett signature is a 7-8, and the others are 9s and 10s. Russell was born in Pittsburg, KS, but doesn’t seem to have any special connection to the Pittsburg that added the “h.” Why the Pirates signed his bat is unclear. In any case, the 34” bat shows ball marks and has a section of wood missing from the back of the barrel. Authenticated by Kevin Keating.
Winning Bid $168.
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 Lot 251. Pirates Vintage Collection – Autographs, Traynor Photo, 1960 Memorabilia, Etc. One highlight of this collection is an 11” x 13” photo, circa 1940, of Pie Traynor with William Benswanger matted and framed to 18 ½” x 21”. Benswanger was president of the Pirates 1932-46. Upon close examination, the photo shows some surface cracks and creases and a couple of very small scuffs. The decorative, quality vintage wood frame would benefit from being re-stained. Striking display item. Three uncommon autographs are also featured: Lefty Leifield, who signed “A P Leifield” on an unlined index card, was Pittsburgh’s winningest pitcher 1906-11. He died in 1907. His signature is a mint 9. Aubrey Epps appeared in exactly one major league game, for the Pirates in 1935, and he made the most of it. He collected three hits, including a triple, and he drove home three runs. He signed a handwritten letter that mentions Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. His signature is a 10. Epps died in 1984. “Buckshot” May also had a one-game major league career. He pitched one inning in 1924, allowing two hits and striking out one. May died in 1984. Publications: 1961 yearbook, owner’s name on front; otherwise, vg-ex. 1971 NLCS scorebook, Clemente cover, scored, vg-ex. 1971 Three Rivers Stadium Souvenir Book marking the opening of the new stadium, vg-ex. Photos: Vintage glossy 8” x 10” photo, possibly from 1961 spring training, with Willie Stargell, Al McBean, Vernon Law, etc. Vg+ to ex. Framed 11” x 14” pictures of Mazeroski’s home run that won the 1960 World Series, Clemente’s 3,000th hit and the 1961 Pirates team. Vg-ex to ex+. Also, an 11” x 17” picture of the World Champion 1971 Pirates, vg. Rain Checks: Two different, undated, probably 1940s-50s, vg. Stamps: U.S. Post Office “Legends” kit including stamps of Clemente, Ruth, Gehrig and Jackie Robinson. Cards and a stamp album also are included. Ex-m. Cards: 1991 Kellogg’s Sportflics card of Ralph Kiner, nm. 1994 ProMint 22 karat gold foil card of Barry Bonds, nm-m. Also, a 3” color pin of Stargell and two Pirates 2004 magnet schedules. Twenty items. Autographs authenticated by Kevin Keating.
Winning Bid $83.
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