This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/8/2018
John Schulte was the quintessential baseball lifer whose career began as a backup catcher for four big league seasons. One of them was in 1929 with the Chicago Cubs, and although he played a minor role on the pennant-winning club, his handling of the team’s pitchers impressed manager Joe McCarthy. Several years later, McCarthy plucked Schulte out of the bush leagues and installed him as the Yankees bullpen coach, a role he would hold from 1934 through 1948, helping New York win seven World Championships. This impressive 14-karat gold Hamilton 21 Jewel pocket watch was awarded to Schulte for his part in the 1947 World Championship club.
The face reads “WORLD CHAMPS” in gold letters in place of the numbers and “NEW YORK YANKEES 1947” in black lettering. The reverse has been engraved with “PRESENTED BY BASEBALL COMMISSIONER TO JOHN SCHULTE.” The 12-hour dial watch with two hands and a rotational seconds timer is in fine working condition, and measures 1.75" in diameter with a weight of 60 grams. The watchcase shows the type of wear expected on a favored timepiece, with some surface abrasions and dings. A very unique Yankees World Championship piece awarded to and used by the man whose behind the scenes work was indispensable to the team.