I picked up this
Rawlings baseball recently, with a confirmed signature of Johnny Bench.
As far as I can determine, this model was started in 1957 to honor the Golden Glove recipients ("The Finest in the Field"). I've found one specimen online signed by the 1971 Pittsburgh Pirates.
What I need to know is when Rawling
stopped making this model. If they stopped in 1972 or 1973 (for example), then Bench's signature would be from his prime years, making the baseball worth a heck of a lot more than one signed today!
Here it is:
Thanks for your help!!