Soon-to-be Hall of Fame inductee Derek Jeter burst upon the major league scene in 1996 as a 21-year-old, wide-eyed shortstop for the team he grew up cheering for as a kid in New Jersey. Not only did Jeter have himself an outstanding season (.314 average, 183 hits, 10 homers, 78 RBI and 104 runs scored) to win AL Rookie of the Year honors, more importantly he helped the Yankees win their 23rd World Series title and initiate a new dynasty in the Bronx. All in all, it was an eye-opening beginning to what became a legendary career in pinstripes that culminated with Jeter becoming the franchise's all-time hit king (3,465). Only "El Capitan" could have a storybook ending in 2014 when hit a walk-off RBI single in his final career at-bat at Yankee Stadium.
Every time Jeter put on this offered batting helmet and grabbed some lumber during that '96 rookie campaign, it must have seemed like he was dreaming. The outer surface of the American Baseball Cap helmet exhibits several scuffs and blue bat rack marks befitting of a true gamer. The iconic "NY" logo appears on the front in white in a style unique to 1996. Jeter's now retired number "2" is applied to the front of the brim as well on the rear of the helmet alongside the ABC logo. The inside of the helmet shows obvious signs of perspiration in the headband and rear foam padding; the left ear pad is missing and the headband pad has been removed due to extended use. The original Diamond Collection and ABC company stickers are all present, with the warning label and 7-1/4" size indicated. The ever-important date dial within the internal roof indicates the helmet was manufactured in December 1995, setting it up for use that upcoming season. Adding further luster to this prized piece is Jeter's shiny 9/10 autograph in thick silver paint pen across the bill. Few Derek Jeter game-used items can be dated to his rookie season, and this is surely one of, if not, the finest rookie helmet you will find in the market.
Includes LOA from John Taube of PSA/DNA and JT Sports. The generic Steiner hologram affixed to the rear is an older version the memorabilia company utilized in the early 2000s for documenting game-used items; unfortunately, its corresponding letter has been misplaced. Autograph comes with Beckett LOA (A52320).