Thanks to Paul G. (ShoelessMoe on net54) I just was able to add this beautiful
game used ball to Denny McLain's 31st win in 1968. which is fresh to the hobby.
The inscriptions on the ball IMHO really take it to the next level.
They are all in the hand of a famous gentleman in the Detroit area named Morris (Morrie) Moorawnick who passed away in 2010. He was known for his precise and small printing as is demonstrated on his notations on this ball.
Morrie Moorawnick was a celebrated statistician and scorekeeper for the Detroit Pistons and Red Wings and was the close friend of many professional athletes including Gordy Howe and Willie Horton. He was honored in 2009 at Comerica Park by the Ilitch Family for his contributions to amateur sports and excellence of sportsmanship.
This game is historic on multiple levels:
Denny McLain's amazing 31st win marked the last win in McLain's great 1968 campaign where he went 31-6, winning the Cy Young and MVP awards and leading the Detroit Tigers to becoming the '68 World Series Champions.
Accomplishing this, McLain became the 1st pitcher in 34 years to win 30 games in a single season. McLain would also be the last because it has now been 52 years since this occurred and with specialized pitching, 100 pitch counts and 4-5 man rotations it will never happen again..
Dizzy Dean was previously the last to win 30+ games in 1934.
In this game, Denny also famously grooved HOF Mickey Mantle's 535th (second to last) career HR.
About 5 years ago I had Denny McLain sign and inscribe my Grandparent's license plate from 1968. It was a tribute to the Summer of 1968 that I spent in MI watching the Tigers run to the pennant and eventual World Series Championship. I was fortunate to have caught one of Denny's 31 wins in person at the now defunct Tiger Stadium.
Great memories!
