"Master Melvin", was born in 1909 in the small town of Gretna, Louisiana, and joined the Big Leagues in 1926 at the ripe age of 17. After a few seasons, the boy wonder's power surge began to develop. In just his second full season with the New York Giants, he slammed 42 homeruns with 151 RBI while batting .328. He had made it. Ott became the second member of the now famous 500 Homerun Club hitting 511 in all. This distinctive achievement has made him ever so popular with collectors, and true single signed baseballs such as this one are incredibly scarce. If you are trying to build a collection of Homerun Kings or Hall of Fame members, you are familiar with this fact. Ott is by far the most difficult to locate from the 500 club as a single signer. Here we have that special gem; a true single signed sphere by Mel Ott, inscribed to the original owner of the ball Ward Bergan.

Presented to the public for the very first time, this Spalding Official League ball has been beautifully signed by Mel Ott on the side panel, minimum '7-8' in strength. The baseball itself is in very good condition showing minimal handling with a layer of shellac. One of the panels has a few fingerprints from the original owner, presumably while he was applying the shellac to protect his keepsake. Mel Ott is a must-have for any signed baseball collection, when you can find him. Do not pass this one up as you never know when another will be offered for sale. The authenticators have noted on their respective LOA's an unexplained abrasion on one panel as they cannot distinguish the cause. We stand by this ball 100% as single-signed as it was acquired directly from the family of the original owner. Accompanied by a full LOA from James Spence Authentication(JSA) and PSA/DNA. Letter of Provenance from Mr. Ward Bergan's grandson, Jim, as well.

Note: The last premium Ott single-signed ball sold at auction this year in excess of $10,000 and it was also inscribed. Additionally, it had the recipients name removed from the ball.