This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/4/2017
Offered is a Spalding Official National League Warren Giles baseball which was pitched by Carl Erskine for the last out of his Brooklyn Dodgers 6-0 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on May 4, 1952 at Forbes Field. Erskine held the Pirates scoreless over nine complete innings with the final out coming via a Joe Garagiola ground out to shortstop with Pee Wee Reese throwing across the diamond to Gil Hodges to secure the shutout. It should also be noted that Erskine struck out Ralph Kiner in the second to last at bat of the game so this ball may have been used for that plate appearance as well, though there is no way to be certain. Roy Campanella served as Erskine's backstop for the game. Provenance is provided in the form of a letter dated November 12, 2012 on Sports Investments Inc. letterhead which has been signed by Erskine & Carl's own "Pittsburgh May 4, 1952 Score 6-0 Brkyn" handwritten inscription on the baseball. (98Z0296)
(MEARS Auction LOA)