There are two different Neal Ball cards included in the T206
set. The first version depicts the infielder as a member of the New York Highlanders, with whom he started his career. This version, featuring Ball clasping his hands at his chest without a glove in a Cleveland uniform, came about after Ball was traded to the Naps early in the 1909 season. Both versions of his card are equally rare. Centering to the south and east of the canvas, this example features rounded, chipped corners, and creasing toward both lower corners of the card. The vibrant colors leave the eye appeal strong, despite staining on both sides, particularly the weathered back. SGC has
only ever graded 15 total
examples of this Old Mill back version of the Ball,
with
only five receiving a
higher grade than the GOOD 2 offered here.
Cornelius "Neal" Ball
struck out in his only career plate appearance in a World Series. He pinch-hit for starting pitcher Buck O'Brien in the eighth inning of the third game for Boston, who went on to win the Series 4-3-1 over the New York Giants. Ball was no stranger to strikeouts, as it was a category in which he led the Majors in with 91 for the 1908 season.