Here they are the Holy Grails for serious collectors the single-signed baseballs that launched thousands of collections and helped propel the post-career autograph signing process from a nickel-and-dime operation to a multi-millionaire dollar enterprise of staggering proportions. When Mickey Mantle and Joe DiMaggio starting signing baseballs at fledgling baseball card shows in the late 1970's and 1980's a seismic shift occurred in the autograph business as eager fans flocked to have a moment and get a treasured memento from two of the greatest stars in the entire baseball universe past or present. Most casual fans take note that many Hall of Famers from earlier generations can make more money signing over a couple of weekends than they used to make in a year playing the game but the major fees that Mickey and Joe received also lifted the pay scale for hundreds of their colleagues providing a post-retirement income source that certainly proved vital for many of them. If that seems like a lot to plop upon two solitary baseballs then maybe so. But it's hard to dispute. Mickey Mantle penned his famous autograph on a Rawlings Official American League Lee Mac Phail baseball signing in ballpoint on the sweet spot in his typical superb fashion; the baseball is in fine condition with only a bit of fading of the Rawlings and League President stamping. The Great DiMaggio likewise signed on the sweet spot in this instance on a handsome Rawlings Official American League Bobby Brown ball penning his elegant signature in a blue marker and adding his famous "56" inscription. The ball reveals only the barest whisper of toning and occasional light staining. Both balls come in plastic mounted display cases with pedestals.

Pre-certified by PSA/DNA.