“TSN” PINE TAR HOME RUN Issue Signed by Billy Martin, George Brett and Gaylord Perry.
Lot 12. “TSN” PINE TAR HOME RUN Issue Signed by Billy Martin, George Brett and Gaylord Perry. Complete Aug. 8, 1983 issue of “The Sporting News” with a Bill Wilson cover illustration offering representations of Brett, Martin, American League President Lee MacPhail and an AL umpire. Brett and Perry, both future Hall of Fame members, and Martin boldly autographed the cover; their signatures are mint 9 to gem mint 10. The Pine Tar dispute occurred July 24, 1983 at Yankee Stadium after Brett hit a two-run home run that the gave the Kansas City Royals a 5-4 lead in the top of the ninth inning. Subsequently, Yankees manager Billy Martin, who had seen a large amount of pine tar on Brett’s bat, asked the umpires to inspect the bat. They decreed that the bat was covered with more pine tar than allowed by an MLB rule, and called Brett out. That ended the game, giving the Yankees a 4-3 victory. The Royals then protested the decision, and MacPhail upheld the protest. He explained that the rule was based on economics, not on any unfair advantage created by the pine tar. A ball in contact with pine tar, he said, could be discolored, making it unusable. It would have to be replaced, increasing the home team’s costs for the game. He said Brett had not “altered (the bat) to improve the distance factor.” MacPhail restored Brett’s home run – and the Royals’ lead. One Aug. 18, the two teams finished the ninth inning. The Royals won, 5-4. Perry signed the “TSN” cover because he had surreptitiously removed the bat from the field and given it to the Royals’ bat boy. Fittingly, he autographed the bat. The “TSN” issue, almost 12” x 14”, is in fine condition with usual wear. The signatures display beautifully! Every serious collection should have one of these on a wall to commemorate one of the most controversial and memorable moments of 20th century baseball! PSA/DNA Pre-Certified. Winning Bid $100.
