A few words of explanation are in order before getting into the nuts and bolts of this fabulously unique ball signed by Lou Gehrig. A look at the ball shows it to be signed by Babe Ruth as well, which of course would bump it into different territory, as Ruth-Gehrig signed horsehides are probably the most coveted of all baseball memorabilia (though single signed Gehrig balls are actually scarcer). This was no doubt the idea behind slapping a Ruth signature on the ball to accompany Lou's, though unfortunately the task fell not to Babe, but to a "ghost" - either a clubhouse attendant, batboy or some other Yankee official charged with signing balls for Ruth when he wasn't around. So, while "Babe Ruth" leaps off the sweet spot of this Official American League (Harridge) ball, and there is one additional (unidentified) signature on a separate panel, this is mere window dressing. The real prize is the beautiful black fountain pen Lou Gehrig signature, which can be displayed as a single, if one so desires. Penned circa 1933, just as Gehrig was passing Ruth by as the biggest Yankee gun, the signature is a fine example, a rock-solid 7/10 with graceful sweeping strokes. The ball itself is EX+ with a very light cream color, smooth - nearly undisturned surface, tight blue and red laces, and unusually sharp stampings. This is a magnificent opportunity to obtain a Gehrig "single" without spending upwards of $50,000 on an example lacking the additional penmanship.