The 1951 New York Yankees, managed by Hall of Famer Casey Stengel,
finished the regular season with a record of 98-56 to win the American
League pennant before dispatching the New York Giants in six games in
the World Series. It marked the 14th Fall Classic title for the
pinstriped Bronx Bombers. This lot features a spectacular team-signed Official
American League (Harridge) baseball from that championship season. The
slightly off-white baseball remains in lovely condition, showing very little toning, with 26 strong signatures ranging in the 6-9/10 range, most of which are 7-8 and all but one done in similar dark blue ink.
Joltin' Joe DiMaggio (6/10) emblazons the sweet spot, but the real prize is the striking 7-8/10 Micky Mantle rookie autograph on the side panel. Note the early version of Mantle’s signature, which he skillfully
finessed in the years to come. Other notables include Phil Rizzuto (HOF),
Johnny Mize (HOF), Yogi Berra (HOF)
and Billy Martin, along with Hank Bauer, Jerry Coleman, Ralph Houk, Allie Reynolds, Gil McDougald, Gene Woodling, Joe Collins, Frank Shea, Charlie Silvera, Tom Morgan, Ed Lopat, Jack Jensen (black ink, 9/10), Tommy Byrne, Bobby Brown, Cliff Mapes, Vic Raschi, Tom Ferrick, Fred Sanford, Joe Ostrowski and Johnny Hopp. One of the finest examples you will find of the rare Yankees team ball that features both a rookie Mantle and final season
DiMaggio.
Includes LOA from PSA/DNA.