$349,995.00
Incredible President Franklin D. Roosevelt Single-Signed Official 1941 American League (William Harridge) Baseball – Dated April 14, 1941 – First Pitch Ball
An extraordinary piece of American history: an Official 1941 American League baseball (William Harridge, President) boldly signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in fountain pen and personally dated “April 14, 1941.”
This date marks the Opening Day of the 1941 Major League Baseball season, when President Roosevelt threw out the ceremonial first pitch at Griffith Stadium in Washington, D.C., as the Washington Senators hosted the New York Yankees.
What elevates this artifact beyond a rare presidential autograph is its likely role as the very baseball used by FDR for that iconic Opening Day first pitch. The date inscription in Roosevelt’s own hand, paired with the pristine league-issued ball from that exact year, makes it very likely that this is the actual game-used ceremonial ball.
Roosevelt, who famously encouraged the continuation of baseball during World War II, was a passionate supporter of the game. His participation in Opening Day festivities was part of a cherished tradition—and this ball is a tangible link to that moment in time.
Items of this caliber rarely surface. This belongs in the Baseball Hall of Fame or the Smithsonian Institution, not only as a relic of the national pastime, but as a unique intersection of presidential and baseball history.
A museum-worthy piece for the advanced collector of presidential memorabilia, historic baseball artifacts, or American heritage.
Comes with full letter JSA COA.
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