JFK Autographed Baseball Sells for $26,450

A single-signed John F. Kennedy baseball sold over the weekend at Hunt Auctions’ latest sale.

The ball had originally been presented to former Washington Senators’ manager Mickey Vernon during one of JFK’s opening day first pitch tosses between 1961 and ’63. The family of the late big leaguer consigned the ball and a number of other items to the auction.

The final bid, including a 15% buyer’s premium, was $26,450.

The ball was personalized to Vernon and had faded a bit over the years.

A game bat signed by Joe DiMaggio and presented to Vernon in the early 1950s, sold for $35,650, the top price among the 800+ items sold by the auction house.

A baseball in superior condition, signed by Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris brought $15,306 while a ball signed by 13 members of the 1930 Yankees including Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, sold for $9200.

While signed baseballs from Kennedy are extremely rare, players like Mantle signed thousands–especially after their playing days ended. Mantle was a regular on the sports card show circuit throughout the mid-1980s to early 90s.

Despite the large number of signed Mickey Mantle baseballs on the market, the demand still outweighs the supply in most cases. Mantle balls are among the most counterfeited, however, so collectors and fans are encouraged to buy only those carrying professional authentication.