Conference school::sports_memorabilia

    can you list some of the other signatures on the ball, and I can help
    date it?  

    
    I forgot to bring in the ball this morning to enter the names in. some
    of the signatures that I do remember:
    
     Dick Hoak
     Dale Long
     Harding Petersen
     Harvey Haddix
     Elroy Face
     Vernon Law
     Clemente (twice). He signed the ball in the front right below the
                       lettering on the ball
     
    
  The estimate on the year of the ball was from my Dad (he grew up in
    Pittsburgh and used to go to Forbes Field alot during the 40's and
    50's).
    
    Ill put all the signatures in.
    
    
    The ball is medium white but not yellow. A few years back, during
    High School and College, I used to do some yard work for this lady
    up the street from my parents. She was cleaning out her attic and
    found the ball heavily wrapped in tissue. Her son did not want the
    ball so she gave it to me (she cant remember the year she got it either)
                                                                    

     I believe Stargell played in the 1963 season. That might narrow
    down the date of the ball
    

    ok... here are all the names
    
    
    Bob Friend
    Bud Gordon
    Roberto Clemnete (twice)
    Dale Long
    Pete Petersen
    Jack Shepard
    Romejias
    Dick Groat
    Nellie King
    Fred Haney
    ElRoy Face
    Lauren Pepper
    Roy Bowman
    Frank Thomas
    Gene Freese
    Gerry Lynch
    Dick Smith
    Bob Parkey
    Dick Shetterfield (?)
    Dick Lole(?)
    Bob Arwell
    P Ward
    there are more names on this ball

    
    
    my fault. I have Willy Stargell on another ball (not this one).
    
    sorry for the confusion

    Deffinetly from the late '50's. Laureen Pepper's knickname was "Red",
    Dick Schoefield, Roman Mejias and Bob Perkey. Perk was traded to
    Cincy in a multi player deal. I was born and raised just south of
    Pitts. and saw most of these guys play.
    
    Tom Rocca
    CSC/ATLANTA

    Looks like a 55 to me too.  Went to Pitt and lived across the street
    from Forbes Field from 1961-66.  You could get in for free from the
    sixth on.  If you were lucky, and the usher was in a good mood
    you could just walk in anytime.   Attendance was real low.  I have
    a number of game balls that I caught ( missed and picked up is
    closer to it ).  In those days very few kids went to afternoon games
    so foul balls especially in deep left fell into empty stands and 
    stayed there until someone picked them up.  
    

    
    
    thanks for the responses! ... looking at the ball (i do not know if
    this will help) the NL President then was (its hard to read this
    signature - stamped on the ball) ... N Gilez (?)
    
    
    What is the best was to perserve this ball? Currently, I have it in a
    plastic ball holder. 
    
    Again, thanks for all you help.
    

    "N Gilez" is most likely the late, great Warren Giles, father of
    current Phillies owner Bill Giles.   Warren Giles was one of the best
    at "promoting" baseball.
    
    I believe he was heavily involved with the Astros and the building of
    the Astrodome.
    
    Bob Hunt

    re: .6 
    
    (just got back from trip, and just saw list)
    
    sounds like 1955 or 1956.  Are either of the O'Brien twins (Johny or
    Eddie) among the other names?  My gut feel is that it is 1955 like one
    of the succeeding notes said, cause I don't remember some of the guys
    being with the 1956 team.  If so, that was Clemente's rookie year;  I
    wonder if "rookie baseballs" carry the same kind of premium as rookie
    cards? (especially being signed twice).

    RE.13
    Never heard of rookie baseballs.  Only time that they would be of value
    is if they are dated and signed.  More bad news,  signed twice has very
    little impact, if any, on the value of the ball.
    Mike.