1927

Red and blue stitched Reach B. Johnson Official American League baseball has been signed on the side panel, "To Dr. R. E. Duncan, U.S. Naval Base Wash. D.C., from Lou Gehrig, 38 H.Rs., Aug 10, 1927." Fountain pen signature is graded "6" by PSA. Ball displays moderate toning and surface wear throughout. Gehrig had hit his 38th home run the day before in a game against the Athletics which was played in Philadelphia. He was then leading the American League in home runs and despite newspapers lauding what by appearances would be Lou's record setting season, Babe Ruth ultimately pulled ahead by a large margin finishing the year with 60. Having often languished in Ruth's shadow, Gehrig was likely very proud of being ahead in the home run chase with the season just over half way complete. The Yankees would play Washington on the 10th which accounts for Gehrig's encounter with a Naval Doctor. A rare Gehrig single dated to one of the most famed season baseball history with an exceedingly scarce inscription. Includes full LOA from PSA/DNA (autograph graded 6): Sig. PSA "6", Ball VG