Imagine taking your seat beside the President of the American League in "The House That Ruth Built" on September 30, 1953. The National Anthem begins to play and 69,734 fans stand in unison. On the field, "The Bronx Bombers" and "The Bums from Brooklyn" take deep breaths as they gaze around the stadium at the stately World Series flags adorning the field. The 1953 "Subway Series" between two incredible dynasties was destined from the first pitch to become a classic. From 1949 to 1953 the New York Yankees won five consecutive World Series Championships, setting a record that stands to this day and one that many believe will never be achieved again.
Game used baseballs from Fall Classic match-ups in the 1950's rarely surface in the hobby. This simply amazing Official American League (Harridge) baseball stands the test of time, having not only seen the field in Game 1 of the historic 1953 World Series but by later being signed by the respective clubhouse leaders from both teams. The Yankees prevailed in the opener, 9-5, behind a balance offensive attack led by first baseman Joe Collins (2-4, HR, 2 RBI, 2 runs), young second baseman Billy Martin (3-4, 3B, 3 RBI) and catcher Yogi Berra (2-4, HR).
Given that A.L. President William Harridge signed the ball on the sweet spot, it's quite possible that the original owner of this stunning sphere attended the game in Harridge's entourage and then gained clubhouse access after the game to obtain the rest of the signatures. So imagine meeting #42 Jackie Robinson and a young #7 Mickey Mantle. You watch as your World Series game-used baseball is held by these two icons. Jackie and Mickey hand your ball back to you after signing it boldly in blue ink and you stand in awe.
With eleven signatures in total, this star-studded ball features the autographs of the leaders of both teams including Mantle and Robinson, along with Hall of Famer Yogi Berra who homered in Game 1, Hall of Famer Johnny Mize, Joe Collins (6x WS champ), umpire Tom Gorman, heavyweight boxing champ Jack Dempsey, Irv Noren (2x WS champ), Gil McDougald (1951 A.L. ROY & 5x WS champ), A.L. President William Harridge and one other. Overall in fine condition with evident game use and the original owner's notation of the game and date over the Harridge stamping
Also offered as part of this lot is an original 1953 World Series Field
Pass for Yankees Stadium and a limited edition replica of the 1953 World
Series program.
This historic baseball comes with a LOA from MEARS certifying its game use. Includes LOA's from PSA/DNA and Steve Grad of Beckett Authentication for the signatures.