Extremely rare signature of Willard Hershberger, who endorsed a Pacific Coast League payroll check. This 8.5 x 3 inch payroll check made out to "Willard Hershberger" on the "OAKLAND ASSOCIATION" operating as "OAKLAND BASEBALL CLUB" of the Pacific Coast League. Dated "June 29, 1936," the check is in the amount of $236.43. Endorsed on the reverse "W. Hershberger" and uninterrupted by any cancellations or other markings. Before migration of Major League Baseball teams to the west coast in 1958, the PCL was the equivalent of the American and National Leagues on the left coast. Many of the games biggest stars made their names in the PCL before the rest of the nation recognized them. Hershberger was a budding star in 1936; he consistently posted high batting averages, made the major leagues in 1938 as backup catcher to future Hall of Famer Ernie Lombardi, and played two games in the 1939 World Series against the New York Yankees. The following season, Hershberger became starting catcher when Lombardi was hurt. He blamed himself for three losses during the middle of the season and, as a result, Hershberger committed suicide during the season at the young age of 30, making his signature extremely rare. Encapsulated in a PSA/DNA authentication holder.
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