This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/15/2008
Walter Henry "Dutch" Reuther pitched for five different Major League teams in his 11-year career, taking the hill for the Chicago Cubs, the Cincinnati Reds, the Brooklyn Robins, the Washington Senators, and the New York Yankees. One of the better-hitting pitchers in the game (.258, 7 HR, 111 RBI), Ruether ranks fifth all-time in pinch-hits by a pitcher (34). As a member of the Reds in 1919 his .760 winning percentage (19-6) was the NL's best, and the lefthander beat the Black Sox in Game One of the infamous 1919 World Series. Reuther also appeared in the 1925 World Series as a member of the Senators, and in the 1926 World Series as a member of the Yankees. His most prolific season in baseball however, came as a member of the 1927 Yankees. Donning this very uniform top in 1927, he went 13-6 as the fourth starter, including 12 complete games and three shutouts on the great Yankee club that many historians remember as the greatest team ever to take the field. While Ruether was a vital part of perhaps the most dominant force in baseball annals, it should also be remembered that he roomed that season with none other than Babe Ruth. Ruether's historic road jersey is tailored from a gray-colored wool/flannel blend and boasts "YANKEES" arched across the chest in blue felt characters. This style was introduced in 1927 and was worn through the 1930 season. Within the collar, a "SPALDING" manufacturer's label is sewn just to the left of "Ruether," the latter identifier embroidered in faded red cursive. There are six holes (as made) under each arm to facilitate ventilation. With vented and tapered front and back tails and all eight original pearl-colored buttons intact, this Bronx Bomber treasure shows moderate wear, with perspiration-induced soiling (very faint) and what appear to be scattered small tobacco stains throughout and two tiny holes on the right breast. While the coloring about the felt characters has endured understandable fading over time, this Yankees relic is incredibly well preserved—and hails from the very season in which "Murderer's Row" set the standard to which subsequent champions will forever be compared. LOA from MEARS (Graded A10).
30,000 USD - 40,000 USD