This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/23/2019
Offered here is a lovely commemorative Cooperstown branded bat with 36 signatures from members of the 1996 World Champion New York Yankees. The barrel has a colorful decal emblazoned with the team's iconic Top Hat and Bat logo with mention of the franchise's beginnings in Baltimore in 1901 along with every AL Pennant and World Series title won through 1978. The Yanks broke an 18-year championship drought in '96 after going 92-70 during the regular season and defeating the favored Atlanta Braves in the Fall Classic. It started a stretch of four titles in five seasons, which remains the greatest modern dynastic run and trails only the Bronx Bombers' five straight World Series titles (1949-53) as the best in MLB history.
Among the better autographs on the bat are Hall of Famers Joe Torre (inscribed "MGR OF YR - 96"), Mariano Rivera, Wade Boggs and Tim Raines as well as future Hall of Famers Derek Jeter and Andy Pettitte. Other notables include Jorge Posada, Bernie Williams, Paul O'Neill, Tino Martinez, David Cone ("96 W.S. Champs"), John Wetteland (WS MVP), Darryl Strawberry, Doc Gooden, Cecil Fielder, Jim Leyritz (twice), Charlie Hayes, Mike Aldrete ("1996 World Series Champs"), Jimmy Key, Joe Girardi, Mariano Duncan, Willie Randolph, Chris Chambliss and Mel Stottlemyre. All signatures are done in blue marker averaging 8/10 in strength. Many have inscribed their uniform numbers. Autographs pre-certified by PSA/DNA.