Description:

Bert Shepard
Washington, DC, ca. 1945
Bert Shepard, One Legged Pitcher Signed 1945 Baseball, PSA Certified, He Was a Shot Down Fighter Pilot in WWII
Baseball

Bert Shepard (1920-2000). Signed baseball, "Best wishes to Bill - / Sincerely Bert Shepard / Washington Senators / 1945" in blue ballpoint pen. PSA/DNA sticker to baseball, with certification card within display case. Measuring 3" diameter and 3.25" x 3.25" in case. Light scattered darkening to leather. Scuffs to case. Signature bold and readable.

Born in 1920 in Dana, Indiana, Shepard was a promising young left-hander before World War II interrupted his career. As a decorated U.S. Army Air Forces pilot, he flew 34 combat missions in a P-38 Lightning before being shot down over Germany in May 1944. Severely wounded and captured as a POW, Shepard had his right leg amputated below the knee. Fitted with a makeshift prosthetic leg by a Canadian medic while still imprisoned, and later a proper one at Walter Reed, Shepard refused to give up on his dream. In a stunning act of resilience, he joined the Washington Senators in 1945 and made his only Major League appearance on August 4, pitching 5 gutsy innings, allowing just one earned run, and striking out two batters, all on an artificial leg.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 3.25" x 3.25"
  • Medium: Baseball

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November 19, 2025 10:00 AM EST
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University Archives

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