Buck Leonard Opinion
 

Took a chance on this in an auction. What do you think?


https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...30e32728_h.jpgIMG_2331 by Tony Biviano, on Flickr

It’s real . It’s a post - stroke signature . I never verified it from Buck himself when talking to him but I heard from some private signing guys that he had to learn to write with his other hand because the stroke affected his dominant signature side . I have about a dozen pre - stroke and the same number of post - stroke signatures .
His pre - stroke signature is really nice and legible . They are available if you look .

Thank you for the info. Going to send to PSA/dna.

It will end up costing you more to get their opinion than the photo is worth.

The story that Kevin recounted above is true. I used to chat on the phone with Mr. Leonard many years ago, and I do believe he even mentioned it during a conversation.

before and after?
 

Before and after --??

Those are both post-stroke. He signed with a quick hand before this.

I met Mr. Leonard in his home for a signing back in the 1990s and can attest that he signed these with his left hand after his stroke. Very slow and shaky, but you could tell he took pride in providing his signature. How many other HOFers would learn to write with another hand that late in life just to sign autographs for collectors? After the signing, he enjoyed a well earned cigar.

Of note, he had a small framed document hanging on his wall. Closer inspection revealed that it was a letter of congratulations from President Nixon on his election to the HOF.

What a gracious and humble gentleman.

Then I will post in the BST auction. Maybe a real fan can use it.

I just want to give Tony a big, public THANK YOU. When I saw this thread, I PM'd him and asked how much he'd like for it, as my office at work has many photos of negro league players and I'd love to have it in there. Tony asked only that I pay shipping and sent it right out to me. What a stand-up gentleman. It's now framed and hangs next to Larry Doby and Jackie Robinson. Much obliged, sir.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...b47f793bc0.jpg

Love to hear stories like this. Well done Tony... a very considerate gesture for a fellow collector!

Props, Tony!

That's awesome! But also now we want to see pictures of the rest of them!