SCP Auctions, Inc.
Timed Auction

Spring Premier Auction 2019

Wed, Apr 10, 2019 08:00PM EDT - Sun, Apr 28, 2019 09:00AM EDT
Lot 259

1931 HARTFORD SENATORS (EASTERN LEAGUE CHAMPIONS) TEAM SIGNED BASEBALL WITH G.C. ALEXANDER (PLAYER/MANAGER FOR 'HOUSE OF DAVID')

Sold for
$2,640
Sold Price includes BP

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$200 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$3,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
$30,000 $2,500
$50,000 $5,000
$100,000 $10,000
$200,000 $20,000
$300,000 $25,000
$500,000 $50,000

The offered red-and-blue stitched ball (illegible manufacturer's stampings) originates from a 1931 contest between the Eastern League's Hartford team and the famed House of David baseball team led by Hall of Fame pitcher Grover Cleveland Alexander. The rare and unique ball features 15 blue fountain pen signatures by members of the 1931 Eastern League Champion Hartford Senators 10 of whom later played in the Major Leagues: Paul Richards Alta Cohen Nelson Greene Max Rosenfeld Bob Reis Phil Gallivan Earl Mattingly Van Mungo Art Jones and Johnny Mann. Most significant is the addition of Alexander signed “G C. Alexander" (7/10) with the notation "House of David" written above his name. The notation "1931 Champions" is also written in blue fountain pen on the same panel as the Alexander signature. 

A previous catalog description for this ball states that it originates from the collection of William Chotiner of West Hartford Connecticut. Chotiner was a prominent Hartford businessman who was closely affiliated with Hartford's minor-league team beginning in the 1920s. In addition to owning a fast-pitch softball team called "Kahn's Kings" for which he both played and managed until the age of 61 Mr. Chotiner was a fixture for decades at the Bulkeley Stadium in Hartford and later served as an Eastern League executive. Grover Alexander managed and pitched for the House of David team up until 1938 and was one of the top draws for the club during that period. This ball was purportedly obtained by Chotiner after the game between the two clubs. Signatures range from 6-8/10 averaging 7/10. The ball shows a degree of soiling and surface abrasions (not affecting the Alexander signature) indicative of game use coming in VG condition overall. Full LOA from JSA.

Payment for your invoice must clear in full prior to shipping. All items will be shipped from SCP Auctions’ Laguna Niguel, CA office in the order that payments are received. Please allow up to three business days following clearance of payment for items to ship. All items will be shipped UPS/FedEx Ground unless you contact us to discuss an alternative shipping method. If you would like your items shipped in a different method, such as UPS/FedEx Next Day or UPSFedEx 2-Day, you must contact our Post Sale Services Manager Veronica Rodriguez by emailing customerservice@scpauctions.com to discuss alternative shipping instructions. Prior to bidding, please be aware of estimated shipping costs, especially for large or heavy lots. You may contact SCP Auctions for any shipping estimates lots you are bidding on or interested in bidding on. If you intend to pick up your items in person at the SCP Auctions office, please call us to schedule. Payment must clear prior to items being available for pick-up.