Does anyone have an autograph of this guy?

[johnmh71]

Does anyone have an autograph of Eddie Bennett, the hunchback midget batboy of the Yankees in the 1920's? My understanding is that the Yankees snatched him from the Dodgers after the 1920 season because they saw him as a good luck charm after the Dodgers went to the 1920 World Series.

Seeing that autograph collecting wasn't common for players back then, much less anyone else associated with a team, the requests were few if any. The fact he died in 1935 also adds to the rarity. I am thinking that if no one on here has one, then one probably doesn't exist.

[prewarsports]

I have seen 4 or 5 over the last 20 years, most recently in a Clean Sweep Auction last year. They sell for big money to 1927 Yankees Collectors and I would expect to pay at least $2500 for an example, if you can find one!

Rhys Yeakley

[jerseygary]

Not only was Bennett the mascot of the pennant winning 1920 Brooklyn team before the Yankees got him, but he was the mascot of the 1919 Black Sox! Hap Felsch spotted him outside the Polo Grounds one day and asked him if he was lucky. Eddie said yes and Felsch had him join the Sox and they won the pennant.

[TyrusRCobb]

[packs]

Gotta love a guy who signs over Gehrig!

[irishdenny]

WoW! And right thru HiS Signature...

[David Atkatz]

Bennett's signature most often appears on 1920s vintage Yankee team-signed balls. In that context it is not uncommon. His signature does not really affect the price of the ball; i.e., two balls, same year, similar condition, similar players, one with Bennett, one without, will go for just about the same price. (With the more visually appealing ball usually a bit more expensive.)

[johnmh71]

Thanks for the information. I figured he was rare. It is interesting to see that they included him when it came time to sign a team ball.