Bob Cain Single-Signed Eddie Gaedel Story Baseball

Bidding

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/5/2013

This is an unused Wilson unofficial baseball, on which pitcher Bob Cain (1924-1997) has penned in neat printing the story of Bill Veeck's greatest inspiration. The narrative and inscription, placed in blue ballpoint, read in full: "Bob Cain - As you may know Eddie Gaedel stepped out of a big birthday cake wearing a brownie uniform #1/8. We all thought it was a big joke until the umpire asked for his contract which the Browns manager produced. When he was announced to bat, our catcher layed on the ground to give me a low target. The umpire made him get into his usual squat position and yelled Play Ball. Bill Veeck was on the roof of the stadium and said he would have shot Eddie if he had swung. I walked him on four pitches high. Midgets - were barred from baseball the next day. We won the game 6-2. At the time I was pitching for the Detroit Tigers. - Pitcher: Bob Cain - Catcher: Bob Swift - Umpire: Ed Hurley - Midget: Eddie Gaedel - August 19, 1951." Pre-certified by PSA/DNA.