1961 Dubuque Packers Team-Signed Ball – Tommy John’s First Pro Team and Season!
Lot 48. 1961 Dubuque Packers Team-Signed Ball – Tommy John’s First Pro Team and Season! At the age of 18, John joined 18 teammates in signing this nm+ Rawlings Official League baseball, which is white to off-white, has several minor spots of discoloration and displays strong pre-printed areas. His autograph is a gem mint 10 at the top of the west panel, which he shares with two other players. John’s professional career got off to a strong start with Dubuque, an entry in the Class D Midwest League. He won 10 games, lost only four and finished the season with a 3.17 ERA. His performance was good enough to earn him a promotion to Class A Charleston at the start of the 1962 season. Three others who signed the ball made it to the majors: Tommie Agee, Steve Bailey and Jack Hernandez. Bailey is on the panel signed by John, along with Frank (Chico) DeCastris. Other signers are Sam Ladatto, another 18-year-old pitcher who chose the sweet spot, John Butler, Walt Bugajski, Art Siefert, Buck Hutchinson, Don Bowen, Dick Allen, Don Johnson, Orlando Centellas, Larry Patterson, Hector Cardenas, Hal Raeford, Jim Gaskill and Terry Screnar. Kevin Keating authenticated the autographs, which range from nm-m 8 to gem mint 10 and average mint 9. A letter of authenticity from John is provided. Here is a rare opportunity to own the earliest known team baseball from the pro career of baseball’s seventh winningest left-handed pitcher! Winning Bid $200.
