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Holy Baseball Memorabilia
Trivia question: Who are the two former Cardinals
that have dedication plaques at Yankee Stadium?
Answer: Pope John Paul VI, and Pope John Paul II.
During the pontificate of John Paul II, each year for the Feast of the Little Christmas, La Befana, for Italians, the Vatican policeman would have a lottery for prizes which were taken from gifts given to the Pope on various journeys.
One particular Vatican policeman, happened to win 5 baseballs,
of which were given to Pope Paul VI on his journey to New York, October, 1965 to visit the UN.
Three of these baseballs were signed by Joe DiMaggio, NL President Warren Giles, and baseball commissioner Bowie Kuhn. The baseballs were presented to Pope Paul VI when he held
mass celebrated at Yankees Stadium on October 4, 1965. Later a plaque was dedicated to the Pope in centerfield in Yankee Stadium to mark this historic event.
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Papal Baseballs each carry a dedication to the Pope. The personal inscription written by Joe DiMaggio reads:
To- His Holiness Pope Paul VI With Best Wishes from -Joe DiMaggio |
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The personal inscription written by commissioner Bowie Kuhn reads:
To His Holiness Pope Paul VI With The Very Best Wishes of commissioner baseball Bowie K Kuhn commissioner |
| The personal inscription written by NL President Warren Giles reads:
To His Holiness Pope Paul VI With Best Wishes from the National League Warren Giles Pres.
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Photos of the presentation to the Pope accompany the baseballs that are being put up for sale.
For information on the sale of
these baseballs contact Steve@keymancollectibles.com
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