Perry's Sports Collectibles

Buy it now price: 129.00Go to auction: Click HereAuction ends: September 10, 2010Red Sox ace Jon Lester is one of the most inspiring stories in the already storied history of Red Sox baseball. This game used ball comes from his September, 13, 2009 start against the Tampa Bay Rays during which Lester delivered an inspired pitching performance in its own right. Cruising to 8 shutout innings, Lester extended his scoreless innings streak to 15, having gone 7 rounds in a zero run effort against the Cubs in his previous start. Lester picked up the win on both occasions, running his record to 13-7 through that point in the season, and lowering his already solid Earned Run Average to an exemplary 3.27. Lester issued only 2 hits to Rays hitters while striking out 7 and giving 3 a free pass. The ball itself has been DNA-authenticated by the Professional Sports Authenticator service, guaranteeing it was indeed used in this exact game and validating Jon Lester’s signature. A corresponding PSA/DNA sticker and certificate will be issued to the high-bidder along with the game ball, in order to verify this claim.Lester’s personal story is truly an awe-inspiring tale. In 2006, Lester was diagnosed with lymphoma, a type of cancer that begins in the lymphatic cells of the immune system. Fortunately, Lester’s case was treatable, however, the pitcher was forced to undergo chemotherapy treatments during the off season. By December of the same year, Lester’s doctors believed the disease to be in remission, showing no signs or symptoms in the latest CT scans. Lester worked towards getting back to the Majors, attending Red Sox spring training, then beginning the season with their Class A Greenville affiliate. Lester spent time with the AAA Pawtucket Red Sox in April before finally getting the call back up to the show. He made his first start of the 2007 season against the Indians, in which he picked up the win. Lester would go on to pitch the deciding final game of the 2007 World Series, earning the victory, and throw his first career no hitter against the Kansas City Royals in May 2008.

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