Raymond Berry Caught Touchdown Football From The Greatest Game Ever Played (1958)

Auction: December 2003

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December 2003
Ray Berry Collection

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Raymond Berry Caught Touchdown Football From The Greatest Game Ever Played (1958)

An indelible piece of NFL history, with the most incredible story attached to its possession. It was December 28, 1958 and the setting was The House That Ruth Built. In the first NFL televised overtime championship game, the Baltimore Colts defeated the New York Giants by a score of 23-17, thereby placing Baltimore, MD in the pantheon of pro sports towns. This was the single event responsible for putting pro football on the map, propelling the sport to new heights of popularity, and causing television networks to sit up and take notice of the potential for football. And the rest, as they say, is history. Hall of Famers John Unitas, Lenny Moore, & Raymond Berry all had banner years, capped by Berry’s record-breaking 12 receptions in the championship game. Offered here is one of those historic footballs used in the game, thrown for a touchdown reception, caught by Raymond Berry. The same ball was used for the extra point afterward, tying the game and ultimately sending it into OT, splitting the uprights and clearing the net behind the field goal, reaching the crowd in the stands. Years later, the gentleman who caught this very ball chose to return it to his hero, Raymond Berry. Quite an honorable decision, as it is surely one of the most valuable pieces of football game equipment in existence. Now, as part of the amazing personal collection of Hall of Famer Raymond Berry, this fabulous historic Wilson Official NFL (Bell) pigskin football has become available to the public for the very first time. Included is the handwritten LOA from the fan who caught the ball. The letter states, “We were sitting directly behind the goal posts in the enclosed end of Yankee Stadium when Raymond Berry caught a touchdown pass in that end zone. We were sitting in the first row of the second section of seats. There was an aisle in front of us and I got in the aisle as the extra point kick was made. The ball came directly toward me, but a little short. I scrambled over the heads and shoulders of eight or ten innocent spectators and the ball fell right into my hands. I am delighted that, after several years, [the man sent to return the ball to Berry] finally delivered the ball to Raymond. Thanks to Raymond and the rest of the Colts, I have many exciting and fond memories of those years.” An additional LOA from his friend, who returned the ball, is included. This is addressed to Ray Berry and explains the story of how he came into possession of the ball, and why he has now returned it. The ball itself is in very nice condition and covered with the markings of world-class game use from the most important game in NFL history. Leather is scuffed in one area, exposing a small patch of the layer beneath. Much like that unforgettable game propelled the NFL to new heights, so shall this piece enrich the world of football collecting. It is a great privilege to accept this piece of football Americana into the hobby, and to watch history being made once again.