This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/4/2022
1963-65 Warren Spahn Milwaukee Braves “Kissing the Victory Baseball” Autographed Original 16x20 Hand Developed Photo (JSA) “Signed During His Final Milwaukee Appearance”
Taken from an original file negative, this image depicts a smiling Spahn, gripping a victory baseball with the best left hand in baseball. Dating is attributed to the 1963-64 era, as after the 1962 season, the team dropped the Tomahawk from the front of the jersey.
During the inaugural Milwaukee Braves Historical Society Dinner (2001), MEARS conducted a private autograph signing with Mr. Spahn. A very limited number of these prints were signed, personally witnessed by MEARS President Troy R. Kinunen. “I met Warren Spahn in his private room at the Milwaukee Athletic Club” MEARS president Troy R. Kinunen recalled. “He was visibly sick, frail, simply put, he was dying. When he greeted me for the signing, he warmly invited me to his suite. He asked me to sit, to have a bite to eat with him. He was happy to have company this evening. He marveled at the quality of the images being signed. To the best of his ability and to what his remaining strength would allow, he signed the photos and baseballs I had brought for the private signing. After about 2 hours, he completed the signing. Packing my stuff to leave, he asked me to stay. I sensed he did not want to be alone. Well into the evening he recalled events of his time with the Milwaukee Braves, told me stories of traveling the United States, and was so proud to recount his time in the Army and while fighting at the “Battle of the Bulge” during WW2. According to Spahn, his service during the Great War was what meant the most to him. Being an American was first, being a baseball player was second. I left with a new appreciation for this Milwaukee treasure.” recalled Kinunen.
A simple, aged version of his “Warren Spahn” autograph was signed in near mint blue sharpie marker at the top of the photo to the left of Spahn’s forehead. Great care was taken during the signing; with new blue sharpie markers being rotated after just a few autographs were signed, insuring only the highest quality signatures appeared on this remarkable print.
Only a few select individuals can own this 16x20 original image titled “Kissing the Victory Baseball”, personally signed by Warren Spahn. A rare opportunity to obtain an authentic autograph of a member of the famous 1957 Milwaukee Braves World Champion team. JSA hologram applied to lower right corner.