The 1951 New York Yankees, managed by Hall of Famer 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 World Series. It marked the 14th Fall Classic title for the pinstriped Bronx Bombers.
This lot features a team-signed Official American League (Harridge) baseball from that championship season. The cream-colored baseball shows moderate but even toning throughout and boasts 27 signatures in varying shades of blue ink (ranging 6-8/10), with the late, great Joe DiMaggio (7/10) on the sweet spot. Other Hall of Famers' autographs gracing the baseball include Yogi Berra, Phil Rizzuto, Johnny Mize and a wide-eyed rookie by the name of Mickey Mantle (6-7/10). Note the early version of Mantle’s signature, which he skillfully finessed in the years to come.
Other signatures on the ball include Billy Martin, Ralph Houk, Hank Bauer, Allie Reynolds, Jerry Coleman, Gil McDougald, Johnny Sain, Ed Lopat, Vic Raschi, Frank Shea, Johnny Hopp, Art Schallock, Jim Brideweser, Charlie Silvera, Tom Morgan, BOb Kuzava, Bobby Brown, Gene Woodling, Joe Collins, Joe Ostrowski, Steve Overmire and Bobby Hogue. Outstanding example of a rare Yankees team ball that features both a rookie Mantle and final season DiMaggio.
Also included is the ball's original Reach box in fair condition marked in black pen with "World Series Winners 10 Oct 1951" by an unknown hand.
Includes LOA's from both JSA and PSA/DNA.