Exceptional May 11 1981 edition of Time magazine featuring Oakland A's manager Billy Martin on the cover signed in blue Sharpie by the subject and authenticated by SGC. The "strike-shortened" 1981 season would result in one of the more odd playoff formats in baseball history but in early May of that season it was just a threat as the Player's Association set a deadline of May 29 to resolve their issues with the owners. The first month of the season was characterized by more exciting (and more baseball-related) stories such as the emergence of Dodgers southpaw Fernando Valenzuela and "Fernandomania " the popularity of Yankees' rookie Dave Righetti and of course the explosive start of the Oakland A's and "Billyball." Playing a particularly aggressive fiery brand of baseball the A's reeled off 11 consecutive wins to start the season and won a record 18 games in April. Their pitchers threw 17 complete games in their first 21 starts and outfielder Rickey Henderson finished April with 16 stolen bases. The team would be in first place with a 37-23 record in the season's first half taking the division title but being swept by the Yankees in the LCS. The magazine is in excellent condition with some very minor glue staining where the mailing label belongs along with some inconsequential edge wear. A particularly attractive cover featuring one of the game's most beloved managers.