Arky Vaughan
| Birthdate | 3/9/1912 |
| Death Date | 8/30/1952 |
| Debut Year | 1932 |
| Year of Induction | 1985 |
| Teams | Dodgers, Pirates |
| Position | Shortstop |
Through 2015, Arky Vaughan’s 1935 numbers are still Pittsburgh team records: .385 average, .491 on-base %, 1.098 on base plus slugging (OPS).
In the collection:
1935 PCL scorecard signed by Satchel Paige and others
1935 PCL scorecard signed by Satchel Paige and others
In the collection is a page from an original 1935 Pacific Coast League game-day scorecard signed by former Pittsburgh Pirate Arky Vaughan. Along with the the Hall of Fame shortstop are the signatures of Negro League great Satchel Paige, 1941 NL MVP Dolph Camilli, 1935 home run champ Wally Berger, and 217-game winner Fred Fitzsimmons. Noted SABRmetrician Bill James rated Vaughan as the second-best shortstop in MLB history behind follow Pirate and mentor Honus Wagner.
Closeup of the Arky Vaughan signature
Closeup of the Arky Vaughan signature
Going in for a closer looks we see the flowing signature of Arky Vaughan along with that of Dodger slugger and 1941 NL MVP Dolph Camilli. By the time Vaughan completed his 14-year career he totaled 2,103 hits, 1,173 runs scored, a .318 lifetime average and a .406 lifetime on-base percentage. Arky Vaughan died an untimely death, drowning at age 40 in 1952.
Other side of the 1935 PCL game-day scorecard
Other side of the 1935 PCL game-day scorecard
On the other side of the signatures is this colorful image showing Los Angeles’ Wrigley Field, home of the Los Angeles Angels of the Pacific Coast League. In the upper left of the scorecard are the words, “Season of 1935”. Some historians rave about the quality of this minor league from the days when there was no Major League team west of the Mississippi River. A nice aid in authenticating any autograph is having the autograph on a vintage period piece.
Closeup of Satchel Paige autograph
Closeup of Satchel Paige autograph
Of the five men whose signature decorate the scorecard, Satchel Paige demands the most interest. Certainly Arky Vaughan’s autograph is more rare and more expensive but the exploits of the great Negro League pitcher are more well known. Taking a closer look we see Satchel adding an extra “L” to the end of his first name. PSAcards.com makes note of how common this way of signing his name was throughout his life.
