Description

Here’s a baseball signed by a man who has spent enough time around the diamond to practically qualify as part of the infield.

This Official Major League Baseball bears the autograph of Pat Kelly, longtime manager of the Louisville Bats and one of the most accomplished managers in Minor League Baseball history. Kelly reached an extraordinary milestone in July 2024 when he earned his 2,000th career Minor League managerial victory, becoming just the seventh manager in Minor League Baseball history to reach that mark. His professional baseball career has stretched across more than five decades, including a brief Major League playing stint with the Toronto Blue Jays, decades of managing throughout the minors, and service as a Cincinnati Reds bench coach. MLB.com

Kelly has become a fixture in Louisville and the Cincinnati Reds organization, developing and mentoring generations of players on their path toward the Major Leagues. He returned to lead the Bats again in 2026, continuing one of the longest and most distinguished managerial careers in professional baseball. MLB.com

The baseball features Kelly’s signature prominently across the sweet spot area and shows the Official Major League Baseball stamping with Commissioner Robert D. Manfred Jr.’s facsimile signature. The ball displays some visible handling and surface wear consistent with the photographs, giving it just the right amount of baseball character.

Certified authentic by the Louisville Bats.

Offered in support of Playing It Forward 502, this is a terrific opportunity for Louisville Bats fans, Cincinnati Reds collectors, and anyone who appreciates the people who spend a lifetime helping players make it to The Show. Step up to the plate and bid accordingly.

About Playing it Forward 502

About Playing It Forward 502: Playing It Forward 502 is a Louisville-area nonprofit that uses sports, community partnerships, and charitable events to create opportunities and give back to local families and organizations. Learn more at https://playitforward502.org.

Condition

Please note all items are "as-is where-is"

Terms and Conditions

1. All items are sold where is, as is.

2. Once payment is completed for item(s) won, the ability to schedule a pick-up time will become available. Scheduling a pick-up time is required. 

3. There will be a $20 fee assessed per item not picked up at that time that will be collected prior to bidding again at our auctions. Unlike retail, we do not have the option to store your item. If the item is larger than a standard suitcase (22" x 14" x 10"), we will charge $50 to the card on file per item to move the item.

4. Please plan accordingly as items not picked up are considered "abandoned". Do not bid if you can't pick up.

5. You are responsible for ensuring you collect all items at pickup.

6. Legacy uses "Popcorn" or "Extended" bidding. This means if a bid comes in at the last second, it is extended 3 minutes. This is like a live auctioneer saying, "going once" to ensure all bids are exhausted prior to closing.

7. We charge a 5% flat buyers premium on all charity items to cover credit card and operational costs.

8. We do not charge tax on 501c charity auctions.  All proceeds from the auction will go to Playing it forward 502. https://playitforward502.org

9. You must bring help to pickup any items. We can recommend movers upon request. Also, please bring tools for items that require disassembly.

10. Please read our complete terms and conditions for additional details.