Three lots of rare memorabilia connected to the most infamous event in baseball history will hit the auction block Monday when Goldin Auctions kicks off its first event of 2015. The items include a baseball autographed by 18 members of the “Black Sox” including six of the eight players fingered in the scandal; a paycheck from pitcher Eddie Cicotte signed by both Cicotte and owner Charles Comiskey; and a rare ticket stub from Game 1 of the 1919 World Series.
“The 1919 Black Sox represent one of the most historic baseball events of all-time, and as a result the limited memorabilia related to the scandal and the players involved are always in demand,” said Ken Goldin, Founder of Goldin Auctions. “We are thrilled to bring these three items to auction.”
Here’s a more detailed description of the three Black Sox lots being offered.
Lot #1 – 1920 Chicago White Sox Signed Baseball – featuring 18 player signatures including six of the eight players named in the scandal. Joe Jackson’s rare signature appears on the sweet spot and is flanked by the likes of Buck Weaver, Eddie Cicotte, Lefty Williams, Swede Risberg and Hall of Famer Eddie Collins. The Ban Johnson Reach Official American League ball has a rich amber tone due to a coat of shellac. “White Sox – 1920” is hand written on one of the panels. The signatures are in bold black fountain pen and grade from 4/10 to 6/10. Full Letters of Authenticity from PSA/DNA and JSA.
Lot #2 – Eddie Cicotte 1919 Payroll Check signed by team owner Charles Comiskey on the front and Cicotte on the back. The $476.25 payroll check represents a bi-monthly portion of the veteran’s $6,000 salary for the 1919 season. This green voucher, dated September 5, 1919, is drawn on Comiskey’s Drovers Bank account. Comiskey’s signature is on the front while Cicotte endorsed the back. Graded NM-MT 8 by PSA/DNA.
Lot #3 – 1919 World Series Game 1 Ticket Stub – The lucky fan who shelled out $2.20 for this pavilion seat witnessed the moment that signified that the fix was in. After the Sox failed to score in the top of the first, Cicotte drilled the Reds leadoff man Morrie Rath with his first pitch to alert gamblers that the fix was in. This grayish-white pavilion ticket is a silent piece of that infamous game. Torn on both ends, the ticket measures roughly 2″ x 3 ½ ” and exhibits wear typical of the age. The ticket has been encapsulated by PSA/DNA and graded AUTHENTIC.
For more details and images of the items and the 1,400+ lots of memorabilia, or to receive a free auction catalog, visit www.GoldinAuctions.com. The auction closes February 7. Watch an ESPN Mint Condition segment with Ken Goldin below.
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