Well toned and clear coated W.Harridge American League baseball signed on side panel, "To Bob, Best Wishes Hank Greenberg". Inscription and signature range from 1-6 out of 10 showing scuffing and a few abrasions that obstruct portions of the writing. "#56" written in period ink beneath the autograph is not in Greenberg's hand. The ball itself shows evident use in addition to some surface abrasions. Based on family history the ball was obtained by the uncle of Bob Whalen (Sr.) on September 23, 1938. Whalen, who was 16 years old, lived with his uncle in Detroit who was in attendance for the game played between the Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Indians at Detroit. In the bottom half of the 7th inning Hank Greenberg launched a ball into the seats which was his 56th round tripper of the season. He was within four home runs of the record established by Babe Ruth in 1927. Greenberg ultimately finished the season with 58 home runs but cemented his status as one of the greatest sluggers of the 1930s era. The ball was taken by Whalen's uncle to Greenberg who signed it accordingly personalized to Whalen. It is unknown as to whether the ball was caught by Whalen's uncle or obtained from the individual who caught the home run while in attendance of the game. The baseball was passed down to Whalen's son, Bob Jr. and is accompanied by a detailed letter of provenance chronicling its known history. Includes full LOA from PSA/DNA and letter of provenance from Bob Whalen Jr.: Ball GD, Signature: Range PR-EX/MT