This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/4/2014
The last person to ascend to the Presidency without holding any prior political office, General Dwight David Eisenhower was elected as the 34th United States President and served in America's highest office from 1952-1960. As a child, "Ike" had aspirations of becoming a baseball player like his idol, Honus Wagner, and often attended Washington Senators games while in office. There are conspiracy theories that Eisenhower actually played semi-pro baseball in Kansas under an assumed name of "Wilson" before entering the United States Military Academy. Having played football at West Point, Ike would have been in violation of the Cadet Honor Code if the allegations were true. While no concrete evidence has ever been put forth, Giants Hall of Famer Mel Ott said, "The General admitted that as a youth he had done so under the assumed name of Wilson" and a player named Wilson is listed on the 1911 roster of the Junction City Soldiers minor league team of Junction City, Kansas. While the controversy may always remain a mystery, there's nothing mysterious about this Reach Official National League Joe Cronin ball, which features a stunning signature of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Inked on the side panel, which leads into the sweet spot due to the length of his name, the black steel-tip fountain pen signature is still relatively bold for its age while the white orb has some minor age coloring but is primarily fresh. Whether you collect autographed baseballs or Presidential signatures, this is a wonderfully scarce item that displays extremely well. LOA from JSA.