ADDENDUM: Locker tag is from museum, not Yankee Stadium.
One of the unsung heroes of the Yankees dynasty in the 1950’s and 60’s was Bill “Moose” Skowron. The sure-handed first baseman with a highly productive bat spent nine of his 14 big league seasons in the Bronx where he played a pivotal role on five World Championship teams. Presented here is one of his game-used fielder's mitts that dates to 1960-61 when Skowron hit his prime as the club's third best power threat behind Mantle and Maris. Moose averaged 27 homers and 90 RBI those seasons to earn two of his eight All-Star nods, helping the Yanks reach the Fall Classic both years and win it all in glorious '61.
According to a previous listing for this mitt, Moose was one of several Yankees to their gloves to Harold D. Youngman, Mantle's business partner whose plan was to display them at Mantle's Holiday Inn hotel and restaurant. When the hotel closed, the gloves were instead donated to the Baxter Springs (KS) Little League Museum where they were displayed until being deaccessioned along with some important Mantle home run balls that would eventually make their way into the market as well.
The Rawlings professional model FXT first baseman's mitt shows outstanding game use. Substantial wear can be seen in the pocket, face of the web and throughout the body of the glove. "Moose" and "R.Y." (initials unknown) are written in black marker over the wrist strap. According to Taube/Esken of "PSA/DNA, the glove is constructed of Rawlings top grade 'Heart of the Hide' tanned steerhide bound with tanned rawhide laces and nylon stitching. Features include a pro-style 'Trap-Eze Connector' web, conventional back with a 'Snugger' adjustable wrist strap and a dual laced 'Hinged Pad'. Manufacturer's labeling features a red silk Rawlings label on the back of the finger sleeves with 'Rawlings' branded on the heel. The leather has softened from extensive use, yet aged well. All the lacings are still perfectly in tact.
The glove comes with the original locker tag used to display it at the museum in Baxter, KS. However, a photocopied 1994 letter from the Baxter Springs Little League president that once accompanied the glove has been misplaced. Includes full LOA from John Taube and Dennis Esken of PSA/DNA.