Lot Essay
Unique Joe Cronin American League baseball which was thrown out for the ceremonial first pitch by President Lyndon Johnson at the Washington Senators home opener on April 12, 1965. The ball was then subsequently autographed by President Johnson, Vice President Hubery Humphrey, Joe Cronin, John McCormack, Mike Mansfield, and George Selkirk. Signatures have been carefully preserved ranging from 7-9 out of 10 most notably President Johnson in bright red ink. The baseball is accompanied by a large format 10 1/2"x13" color photograph picturing President Johnson throwing out the offered baseball surrounded by the eventual signators on the ball. The photo is signed on the mount in black ink, "To Cecil Stoughton With Appreciation Lyndon Johnson" rating 7 out of 10. Both artifacts originated from the personal collection of Stoughton who was the highly regarded first official photographer of the White House under the Kennedy administration continuing with Johnson through 1965. Stoughton's works remain some of the most indelible images ever taken including the iconic photo of Lyndon Johnson being sworn in as President alongside of Jackie Kennedy in a blood stained dress. Very unique and consequential duo of Presidential signed artifacts with unimpeachable provenance. Includes full LOAs from JSA (baseball) and PSA/DNA (photograph) *Note: PSA/DNA declined to authenticate the Johnson signature on the ball only noted for accuracy: NM-NM/MT