This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/15/2008
On April 18, 1923, Yankee Stadium opened to the largest crowd that had ever watched a baseball game. The New York Times reported 74,200 paying customers (some of whom must have been standing in every available aisle, given that the stadium had about 64,000 seats), along with 25,000 more who were turned away at the gates by the New York City Police and Fire Departments. In that first game, Babe Ruth ushered in the Yankee's era of dominance with a three-run home run to lead the Yankees to a 4-1 win over the Red Sox. Ruth's home run would prove to be an omen for the rest of the season which saw the Yankees capture their first World Championship. This Reach OAL (Johnson) ball has been signed by 22 members from the 1923 World Champion New York Yankees. Yankee players include: Babe Ruth on the sweet spot, Bengough, Bush, Hendrick, Hofmann, Hoyt, Johnson, Jones, Mays, McNally, Meusel, O'Leary, Pennock, Pipgras, Pipp, Schang, Scott, Shawkey, Smith, Witt and two unknown signatures. Gehrig is absent. Also present is the rare signature of Yankees batboy Eddie Bennett. Born with a hunchback, Bennett was considered the team's good luck charm and was a particular favorite of Ruth's. He is credited with notching the Babe's bats for every home run he struck. Bennett passed away in 1935. The slightly soiled ball is in excellent condition overall with signatures averaging about 5-6/10, highlighted by a solid Ruth (6-7/10). This ball also comes with the original box which is in fair condition. LOA from PSA/DNA.
20,000 USD - 25,000 USD