The "Matchless Ball"®
World Famous Autographed 1934 All-Star Game Ball
A Significant Piece of Baseball History
Estimated Value: $500,000.00 - $1,500,000.00
(Based on Original 1993 Appraisal)
Bidding Starts at $250,000
The Beginning
"More than half a century ago, in a ballpark called the Polo Grounds, a ballplayer carried a game ball back to the dugout to be passed around and signed by his fellow teammates.
The dugout and the ballpark no longer exist.
The last survivor of those who scribbled their names on the ball that day was Mel Harder... a twenty-year veteran of the Cleveland Indians who established a career as one of their ace pitchers.
The thousands of baseballs he pitched in the past took but seconds to complete their journeys... all but one.
That baseball left his hand on a veiled journey that lasted close to sixty years only to reappear in 1992 and become known as... The 'Matchless Ball'.
The 'Matchless Ball' is the only surviving Official (REACH) American League baseball used in the 1934 All-Star game signed by all the American League team members who played and some who did not."
The Legends That Signed Their Names to The Ball:
| Babe Ruth |
Lou Gehrig |
Jimmie Foxx |
| Joe Cronin |
Al Simmons |
Sammy West |
| Jack Russell |
Bill Dickey |
Earl Averill |
| Red Ruffing |
Mel Harder |
Tommy Bridges |
| Lefty Gomez |
Jimmy Dykes |
Ben Chapman |
| Heinie Manush |
Walter Johnson |
Micky Cochrane |
| Charlie Gehringer |
NOTE: Lou Gehrig and Jimmy Foxx also initialed the ball. Tommy Henrich added his signature afterwards and is an important chapter in the ball's provenance.
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Items Provided by Seller to Winning Bidder Include:
- A notarized copy of first-hand "Statement of Authenticity" by Mel Harder, the winning pitcher of the 1934 All-Star Game pertaining to his signature, his teammates signatures, and the ball's provenance.
- A notarized copy of first-hand "Statement of Authenticity" by Tom Henrich pertaining to his signature, and the ball's provenance.
- A notarized copy of a three page hand-written letter and envelope from Mel Harder with mention of authenticity of the ball, its signatures, and events surrounding that game.
- A notarized copy of the original 1993 appraisal by Mr. Henry W. Howes of the "American Appraisers Association Inc."
- A limited collectible edition of "Pitched From The Past", The Journey of The "Matchless Ball" which will include the autographs of Mel Harder,
Tom Henrich, and "The Keeper of The Ball" Dan de la Torre, the current owner and author.
