This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/23/2019
Known as the “The Chairman of the Board", Whitey Ford spent all 16 seasons with the Yankees and operated with corporate efficiency on the mound, using his supreme intelligence and confidence to get through opposing lineups despite not having dominant stuff. And like most successful businessmen, he was at his best when it mattered most. “I don’t care what the situation was, how high the stakes were,” recalled teammate Mickey Mantle. “The bases could be loaded and the pennant riding on every pitch, it never bothered Whitey.” With Yogi Berra behind the dish, Ford was a vital part of the third Yankee dynasty and helped bring home 11 A.L. pennants and six World Series during the 1950’s and 60’s. The southpaw retired in 1968 with a minuscule 2.75 ERA and a career record of 236-106. His remarkable .690 winning percentage still tops all post-1900 retired hurlers with over 150 wins.
Whitey sported this Yankees home jersey during the 1966 season as his outstanding career was winding down. The pinstriped button-down is properly tagged by Spalding on the left front tail with size 42 indicated and “66” chain-stitched below. A nameplate with “Ford” is sewn in the rear collar. Ford has autographed the shirt below the classic “NY” on the front in 8/10 blue marker. His now retired number “16” is sewn on the back. The jersey displays significant game use during a season in which Ford pitched 73 innings in 22 appearances with a 2.47 ERA. According to MEARS, the bottom side panels have been taken in and the tail has been shortened for a customized fit. The NY interlocking logo and numbers have been professionally restored, and the heavy wear may indicate multi-player use (see LOA for more details). A wonderful flannel worn by a Hall of Famer at the turn of baseball’s Golden Era.
Includes LOA from MEARS (A6 grade). Full LOA from PSA/DNA (auto.).