21. Chief Meyers Single-Signed Baseball (JSA)
One of the most widely collected deadball era players not in the Hall of Fame, John Tortes “Chief” Meyers was a catcher from 1909 through 1917 for the Giants, Braves and Robins, and was best known as the primary catcher for Hall of Fame pitcher Christy Mathewson. Meyers hit .300 on the Giants’ pennant-winning teams of the early 1910s. Born in Riverside, California in 1880, Meyers’ mother was a Cahuil- la Indian. He attended Dartmouth College with a forged high school diploma, and when the forgery was discovered, Meyers left the school, signing his first professional baseball contract. This exceptional 1930s Official NL (Frick) baseball has been signed and inscribed by Meyers, the signature in print handwriting. The east panel inscription reads “N.Y. Giants - Brooklyn - 4 World Series.” Above Meyers’ signature near the sweet spot are some additional illegible characters; since the Cahuilla language is largely spoken and unwritten, there appears to be no agreed-upon system of writing. It is, therefore, impossible to known unequivocally what the significance of thee characters are, if any. Meyers’ signature is bold and legible, with a tiny bit of fading in the “J” in “Jack.” The ball is well-soiled and stained with age, though still clear and relatively evenly toned. Chief Meyers single-signed baseballs do not grow on trees, as this is the only exam- ple we have ever encountered. An exceptional piece. Full LOA from James Spence Authentication. MINIMUM BID: $500
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