This Official American League Baseball was signed by members of the Hall of Fame at Cooperstown, New York on August 12, 1974. Congressman Donald J. Mitchell (R-New York) presented the baseball to President Ford on behalf of Ken Smith, the director of the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
Signatures featured on the ball include those of Cool Papa Bell, Roy Campanella, Jocko Conlan, Stan Coveleski, Bob Feller, Whitey Ford, Charley Gehringer, Lefty Grove, Jesse Haines, Harry Hooper, Monte Irvin, George Kelly, Buck Leonard, Ted Lyons, Mickey Mantle, Rube Marquard, Joe Medwick, Stan Musial, Satchel Paige, Sam Rice, Red Ruffing, Warren Spahn, Casey Stengel, Bill Terry, and Lloyd Waner.
Additionally, President Ford signed a baseball for the Hall of Fame, following a tradition dating back to President Taft.