Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed Baseball up for auction by Boston Firm

Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed Baseball up for auction

Incredibly rare baseball signed by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy

An incredibly rare baseball signed by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy will be auctioned by Boston-based RR Auction.

The Official Rawlings Major League (Manfred) baseball signed in black felt tip on a side panel in Ukrainian cursive and English print, “Zelenskyy.”

Accompanied by a transmittal letter signed by Volodymyr Yelchenko, Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations.

Originating from The Randy L. Kaplan Collection of Signed Baseballs from World Leaders and Heads of State. Kaplan started collecting baseballs signed by world leaders beginning in the 1990s, and has assembled a unique collection of over 450 examples.

Once an actor and comedian, Volodymyr Zelenskyy ran in Ukraine’s 2019 presidential election as a political outsider and anti-corruption figure, capturing over 70% of the second-round vote. In many ways, it was a classic episode of life imitating art—he grew popular as the star of the TV show Servant of the People, in which he played a teacher unexpectedly elected as president after a rant against government corruption went viral. Because of his background, many around the world underestimated Zelenskyy’s ability to govern.

Now faced with an invasion by Russian forces, Zelenskyy has shown unmatched courage in the face of disaster. He has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to democratic ideals and to the people of Ukraine—offered a special-ops extraction from the besieged Kyiv, he famously replied: ‘The fight is here; I need ammunition, not a ride.’ Zelenskyy has rightfully earned the admiration of friends of liberty around the world, and is poised to go down in history as one of the iconic leaders of the 21st century.

Mr. Kaplan plans to donate a portion of his proceeds to a Ukrainian support effort. RR Auction will contribute all of its proceeds (buyer’s premium and seller’s commission) to the same.

The Fine Autograph and Artifacts auction will conclude on May 11. For more information, go to www.rrauction.com.