Offered is a game ball from Red Sox pitcher Mickey Harris' 14th win during the 1946 season. Harris would finish his best season in big leagues with a record of 17-9, throwing more than 200 innings, 131 strike outs and an ERA of 3.64. He kept a game ball from each of his 17 victories, all offered in this auction.
The ball is inscribed by Harris:
WIN #14
8-4-46
BOSTON 9-14-2
DETROIT 4-5-1
Red Sox future Hall of Famer Bobby Doerr hit TWO Home Runs in the game. The OAL Harridge baseball shows signs of heavy game use. The ball has a small hole from previous display by Harris. Very Good to Excellent condition.
The Mickey Harris Collection
Rockhurst Auctions is proud to present The Mickey Harris Collection. The collection emanates directly from Harris' family, held together for more than 80 years, until now. Harris started his pitching career with the Red Sox in 1940 and 1941, and then served from 1942-1945 in the military in World War II. After missing four seasons, Harris came back with a vengeance in 1946, compiling a 17–9 record, as the Red Sox ran away with the pennant. Between carrying large machine guns for four years and 200 plus innings, his arm was never quite the same, but he did play for Boston, Washington and Cleveland over the following six seasons, retiring after the 1952 campaign.
Most interestingly, perhaps, was that Harris was a bit of a collector--a little unusual for ballplayers, especially from that era. He kept a game ball from each of his 17 victories in 1946--each is presented in this auction--and he took the time to acquire several autographed baseballs along the way. Most notably he saved balls signed by Babe Ruth, President Harry S. Truman and (then) General Dwight D. Eisenhower, also all presented in this auction. It's a wonderful collection, and each offering is accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity signed by a member of Harris' family. Enjoy.