My Collecting Story: Curt Simmons game baseballs

I am by no means an expert on game-used baseballs, but have been able to add a few to my collection over the years.  I consider these two a pair - my own "Curt Simmons collection"...

Foul ball pitched by Curt Simmons (June 12, 1949)

Every collector has passed over a piece, only to later regret not purchasing it.  For a time, this ball my one of my biggest regrets.  A familiar flea market vendor had picked up it at an estate sale, and was offering it up at $20.  I tried talking her down to $15, but walked away when she stuck at $20.  Later that afternoon I started regretting the decision.  The next flea market it was gone!  Turns out, my Dad bought the ball and it eventually became a birthday present.

1949 Phillies Game Ball

Curt Simmons' First Win baseball (September 28, 1947)

A few months ago, Hunt Auctions featured a number of Curt Simmons "win" baseballs in their Louisville Slugger Live Auction.  Most of the lots were great pieces of folk art from the 1950s, having been decorated by Phillies catcher's and later presented to the lefty.  I knew from seeing similar balls in the Robin Roberts collection that these would fetch top dollar.  Instead I focused my attention on a non-decorated, but more "historically important" lot in the auction, Simmons' first win ball.  I ended up winning as an at-large bidder in the live auction - definitely a nice addition to the collection.