The 1981 World Series pitted the New York Yankees against the Los Angeles Dodgers, marking their third meeting in the Fall Classic in five years as well as a record 11th Series meeting overall. The Dodgers won in six closely contested games for their first title since 1965 and their first Series victory over the Yanks since '63. It was just third World Series win over the Bronx Bombers overall and the last time the two storied franchises met in October. L.A. clinched it with a 9-2 thumping in the deciding game, but every game before that was decided by three runs or less including three straight one-run contests at Dodgers Stadium -- all won by Tommy Lasorda's boys. "Fernandomania" took the baseball world by storm that year as the pudgy 20-year-old Mexican southpaw dominated on the hill and became the only player ever to win the Cy Young and Rookie of the Year honors in the same season. In 25 starts, Valenzuela completed 11 of them and hurled eight shutouts.
Offered is an official Rawlings 1981 Official World Series (Bowie Kuhn) baseball signed by 27 members of the winning National League squad. Autographs include: TOMMY LASORDA (SS), STEVE GARVEY, FERNANDO VALENZUELA, MIKE SCIOSCIA, DUSTY BAKER, MONTY BASGALL, JOE BECKWITH, BOBBY CASTILLO, TERRY FORSTER, DAVE GOLTZ, PEDRO GUERRERO, BURT HOOTON, KEN LANDREAUX, DAVEY LOPES, RICK MONDAY, MANNY MOTA, TOM NIEDENFUER, DANNY OZARK, RON PERRANOSKI, JERRY REUSS, BILL RUSSELL. STEVE SAX, REGGIE SMITH, DAVE STEWART, DERREL THOMAS, BOB WELCH, and STEVE YEAGER. Most are done in black ballpoint averaging 6/10 in strength and eye appeal.
Interestingly enough, 1981 Dodgers World Championship team-signed baseballs are tough to come by in the hobby, especially one ones on OWS balls from the era with this many players present and no clubhouse signatures whatsoever. Most are found either partially complete, from a later reunion signing or with several CH autos. Full LOA from PSA/DNA (AG05051).