On the way back home after breaking training camp in Florida, the Detroit Tigers and St. Louis Cardinals faced each other in a 1942 barnstorming series across North Carolina and Tennessee. The first of these special contests took place in Durham on 4/7/42. Certainly a treat for citizens of central North Carolina, this obscure contest is commemorated for posterity with this Tigers and Cardinals multi-signed baseball. Featuring a total of (28) autographs, this period signed ball is an Official American League Harridge model that was manufactured by Reach during the period 1940-1942. This ancient orb rates as (EX) in condition and is completely covered by signatures. Also written on the ball are the notations "4-7-42, Det. O - St. L. 6" on the west panel and "Durham, N.C." on the north panel. Some of the signatures have been enhanced. Full photo LOA from Beckett Authentication Services.
Featured signers are:
Sweet spot: Merv Shea, Schoolboy Rowe, Clyde Shoun, Gus Mancuso
North panel: Don Ross, Frank Crespi, Del Baker, Harry Gumbert, Jimmy Bloodworth, Virgil Trucks
South panel: Dixie Parsons, John Beazley, Marty Marion (considerable ink migration), Ernie White, Bill Lohrman, Birdie Tebbetts, Tom Bridges
East panel: Rudy York, Mike Gonzales, Murray Franklin, Johnny Hopp, Enos Slaughter, Walker Cooper, Murray Dickson
West panel: Lon Warneke, Billy Southworth, Pinky Higgins, Mort Cooper.
D#62
