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 NM ball has some spot soiling and toning and remains in excellent shap, holding 22 signatures in blue ink mostly in the 6-7/10 range. Joe DiMaggio emblazons the sweet spot, but the best treat is the rare 'Mick' Mantle rookie autograph on the side panel — note the early version, which he skillfully perfected 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, and Phil Rizzuto, as well as Jim Turner, Frank Crosetti, Allie Reynolds, Jerry Coleman, Spec Shea, and Joe Collins. Includes full LOA from PSA/DNA (AE16506).