The 1951 Yankees, under Hall of Fame skipper Casey Stengel, finished the regular season with a record of 98-56 to win the American League pennant before dispatching the New York Giants in six games in the Fall Classic. It marked the third straight World Series title and 14th overall for the Bronx Bombers. This lot features a wonderful team-signed Official American League (Harridge) baseball from that championship season in which the Commerce Comet made his big-league debut and Joltin' Joe decided to hang 'em up.
The EX/EM ball with some spot soiling and toning remains in excellent shape, holding 27 signatures in black ink mostly in the 6-7/10 range. Joe DiMaggio (7/10) emblazons the sweet spot, but the best treat is Micky Mantle's rookie autograph on the side panel -- note the early version, which he skillfully finessed in the years to come. 1951 marked the only year both DiMaggio and Mantle were teammates, and finding a ball containing both genuine autographs is a challenging pursuit for collectors.
Other notables include HOFers Yogi Berra, Casey Stengel, Johnny Mize, Phil Rizzuto and Bill Dickey, as well as Ralph Houk, Bobby Brown, Jerry Coleman, Allie Reynolds, Joe Collins, Jim Turner, Frank Crosetti, Hank Bauer, Gil McDougald, Gene Woodling, Tommy Henrich, Johnny Sain, Charlie Silvera, Hogue, Kuzava, Brideweser, Ostrowski, Overmire and Schallock. Vic Raschi is the only clubhouse autograph on this rare and heavily coveted ball. Includes full LOA from PSA/DNA (AG07313).