Selected autographs in the VMAD collection
Henry “Hank” Aaron (inducted to the hall of Fame in 1982)
This is an early autograph by the future Home Run Champion (postmark on the reveres reads Sept. 17 1962).
James “Cool Papa" Bell (inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1974)
Bell was the fastest man to ever play baseball and this is a beautiful pre-stroke example of his autograph.
Roy Campanella (inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1969)
This autograph is one of the earliest known autographs of this Negro League legend and three-time National League MVP. This pencil signature is on the cover of a 1947 Roosevelt Stadium Jersey Giants vs. Montreal Royals official program. “Campy” would have been just 26 years old when he signed this program.
Willie Mays (inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1979)
The VMAD collection contains several examples of the ever-changing autograph of one of baseball’s all-time-greats. Here is a mid-1950s fountain pen autograph on index card and a signed bat from the 1990s.
Ted Page
“Terrible Ted” played baseball hard and inflicted terrific damage sliding into his opponents. This is a strong example of his more flamboyant signature style.
Satchel Paige (inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1971)
Paige was one of baseballs greatest pitchers and without a doubt its greatest showman of all time.
Hilton Smith (inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2001)
rare autograph by one of the Negro League’s greatest pitchers
Willie Wells (inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1997)
A particularly early and gorgeous fountain pen autographed (inscribed with the date) on cut paper (size?)
While not himself a Negro Leaguer (or black for-that-matter) it was “The Splendid Splinter” who helped open the doors of Hall of Fame to Negro League players. This is an early (1948) autograph in mint condition.
One of the Negro Leagues all-time-greates.
