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I purchased this ball and was wondering if the Johnny Bench auto is authentic. Any input is much appreciated.
Thanks,
Charlie

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yes its authentic

Thank you for your evaluation terrier. I obviously thought it was after studying this website for insight. The thing that is interesting is this is signed on a period Warren Giles baseball. However if I understand identifying the age of the ball correctly the ball is from 1958-62. This caused me some concern, since it predates his major league career. Thanks again for looking at this for me.
Charlie
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actually, Giles was the NL president thru 1969, so Bench did play while using those balls.  It does not look like an early Bench signature, but it is definitely authentic, and not too common on Giles balls.

I am learning so much about sports items as I get back into collecting. Who knew there were variations of baseballs for the same commissioner? I have provided a link to the Giles variations. It looks like this is actually the 58-62 ball to me, which would predate Bench's playing days. The ball is in great shape too for being 55 years old. http://keymancollectibles.com/balls/1952officialnationalleaguebaseb...

I really like collecting signatures on baseballs that reflect the time period of their career.  The Giles balls do seem to hold up well over time, I have a few from the 60's, one signed by Koufax in '66 that is in pretty good shape.  

Like most folks, this started for me as a kid. I grew up in SW FL. I have several items from George Brett since the Royals spring training was in Ft Myers. My grandfather would sit in the car while I waited outside the clubhouse. I have an official NL ball from the 1994 timeframe from a Dodger fantasy camp. We had a flood near where I live and a card show was held to support the flood victims. Carl Erskine was at the show and brought the fantasy camp ball with him for auction. I was seated beside him and Bill Stanfill at the auto table. I am a huge Dolphin fan but Stanfill acted like I wasn't there. Erskine was telling me about working to set up the Mlbpa. It was so interesting. He told me I should bid on one of the balls. I did and won the silent auction at $50. It is signed by Duke Snider, Carl Erskine, Clem Labine, Preacher Roe, Reggie Smith, Jeff Torborg, Rick Monday, Ralph Blanca, Don Zimmer and Ron Perranoski.

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