This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/23/2015
The late Johnny Murphy pitched for the New York Yankees during the 1930s and ‘40s. In 1934, the 6’ 2” right-hander started 20 times for the Bronx Bombers and pitched 10 complete games. For the remaining 11 years of his major league career, Murphy would start only 20 more games as he became one of the top bullpen experts of his day. Overall, he appeared in 415 games, winning 93 and losing 53 with an earned run average of 3.50. In eight World Series games and 16-and-one-third innings pitched, Murphy won two games, lost none, saved four, and posted an ERA of 1.10. In all, he was a member of seven World Series winning teams, the most of any pitcher in history.
Offered here is Murphy’s 1938 New York Yankees World Champs gold pocket watch when the Bombers swept the Chicago Cubs in four straight. The gold Hamilton pocket watch has been flawlessly maintained and remains in fine working order. The design includes "New York Yankees 1938 1937 1936" imprinted on the white dial, commemorating the third of four straight World Championship seasons in the Bronx. "World Champs" is applied in gold lettering to represent hour markers. Player attribution appears on case verso with engraving that reads: “PRESENTED BY BASEBALL COMMISSIONER TO JOHN MURPHY." The watch is attached to a gold pocket knife by a wonderful gold chain built of three-quarter-inch-long links. The overall distance from the bottom of the pocket watch to the furthest edge of the knife is approximately 19” when fully extended. One side of the pocket knife includes his engraved initials “J.J.M.” for John Joseph Murphy. The watch itself measures 1.75" in diameter.
Includes Letter of Provenance from the Murphy Family.