July 15, 2021: Summer Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/15/2021
Presented is a spectacular example of the legendary folk-art baseballs created by George Sosnak, hobby treasures that have captured the imagination of fans and collectors and significant dollars for several generations. This particular ball is dedicated to former Detroit Tigers backup catcher Jimmie Price, who was a member of the remarkable 1968 World Series Championship squad that upset the favored St. Louis Cardinals and Bob Gibson in a seven-game thriller that October. The Near-Mint condition baseball is signed by the artist in his traditional fashion, and dated to that epic 1968 season. George Sosnak’s incredible hand-painted baseballs have been a hobby staple for several generations, folk-art style masterpieces that the artist would create with india ink and his amazing capacity for intricate storytelling and ornate graphics. This ball features a Jimmie Price nameplate above a striking Tigers logo; different panels feature Sosnak’s distinctive style depictions of Price batting and sliding into home, along with comprehensive major-league and minor-league statistics on the opposite panels. This superb ball came from the former catcher’s personal collection, and certainly reveals exquisite care and minimal handling in the 50-plus years that have transpired since Sosnak worked his magic.
1968 George Sosnak Folk-Art Baseball
Click above for larger image.