An exceptional star in many ways, Sam Rice overcame many obstacles to become the player he is remembered as. And despite not entering the majors until age 26, he still managed to record one of the most successful careers ever, and played effectively into his 40's. His black ink signature on this Mint non-official baseball is the ideal tribute. Panel signature rates an 8.5 out of a possible 10. His sealed letter at the Hall of Fame which was opened at the time of his death reads, "At no time did I lose possession of the ball."