In the fall of 1953, Dodgers manager Chuck Dressen demanded the unthinkable from team owner Walter O'Malley: a multi-year contract. Despite winning two consecutive pennants, management refused to give in to Dressen's demands and he was replaced by a relative unknown named Walter Alston. Walt gladly signed the one-year deal, and he kept signing them for the next 23 years, becoming the longest tenured manager in Dodgers history. Over that span, "Smokey" consistently proved his mettle, ultimately winning seven NL pennants and four World Series titles and piling up over 2,000 victories prior to his retirement in 1976. The six-time Manager of the Year was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1983, a year before his death.

This offered OAL (Cronin) cream-colored ball is signed by Walt Alston on the sweet spot in sharp-looking 8/10 black ballpoint. The side panels have some spot toning but the 1960s-era ball remains in fine EX-MT shape, giving this rare Alston single terrific eye appeal. It's a known fact thart Walt rarely signed Dodgers team balls (he's almost always Clubhouse), and his singles are even more elusive. This one was purchased privately from the origina owner and is new to the hobby. Includes full LOA from Beckett (A25823).