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Historically Interesting 1954 Pirates Team Ball Signed by Branch Rickey, Curt Roberts.
Lot 186. Historically Interesting 1954 Pirates Team Ball Signed by Branch Rickey, Curt Roberts. Hall of Fame executive Branch Rickey is renowned for his role in breaking baseball’s color barrier in 1947. Much less widely known is that he also broke the color barrier in Pittsburgh in 1954 when the Pirates made 24-year-old Curt Roberts their starting second baseman. Unfortunately, Roberts’s success was limited, and his major league career ended in 1956. The autographs of Branch Rickey and Curtis Roberts are on an ONL Warren Giles baseball with 29 others. Very lightly shellacked, the ball otherwise is an nm-m beauty. The signatures are impressive; almost all are nm-m 8 or better, bold in blue ballpoint with a hint of red shadowing or “bleed” behind each. Rickey signed the pre-printed area, along with manager Fred Haney (died 1997). A portion of his bold signature intersects with the Warren Giles pre-printed example. Roberts is on the north panel with Joe Page (d. 1980), Sam Narron (d. 1996) and Clyde Sukeforth (d. 2000) above and Jake Thies, Vernon Law and Walker Cooper (1991) below. Other signers are Len Yochim, Paul LaPalme, John Hetki, Cal Hogue (d. 2005), Gail Henley, Max Surkont (d. 1986) and George O’Donnell on the south panel, “Doc” Jorgensen, Bob Purkey, Dick Smith, Bob Skinner and Dick Cole on the east and Dick Hall, Preston Ward, Bob Friend, Nele (Nellie) King, Jack Shepard (d. 1994), Jerry Lynch, Gair Allie and Sid Gordon (d. 1975) on the west. Pittsburgh broadcaster Ray Scott and Pirates traveling secretary Bob Rice signed the sweet spot. Rickey passed away at 83 in 1965. In 1969, Roberts was killed when he was struck by a car while changing a tire on his auto. He was only 40. Roberts’ signature is uncommon. This is the first time we have seen his signature and Rickey’s together on a ball. Authenticated by Kevin Keating.
Winning Bid $572.
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