This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/28/2013
From arguably the greatest team of the postwar era comes one of the finest game-worn treasures
from one of the most-beloved players on that fabled squad. Yogi Berra wore this home uniform
in the 1961 season when the Yankees, once again awash in the glory of a Championship campaign,
were also cast in one of baseball’s fabled narratives. Amidst the drama of Mickey Mantle and Roger
Maris’ pursuit of the ghost of Babe Ruth, Berra turned in his last great near-full season, socking 22
home runs as he shuttled between catcher and the outfield and the club set the record for total
team homers and fairly waltzed away with yet another American League pennant and a World Series
triumph over Cincinnati. Properly anointed with an A10 benediction from MEARS, this is one of the
finest of a mere handful of completely original Berra gamers known within the hobby. The size 44
Spalding-tagged jersey has “Berra” embroidered on the collar and “61” chain stitched below the
front tag. Ideal usage traits for a catcher include pilling on the fabric in all places where contact with
catcher’s gear was constant. Matching pants feature embroidered tagging in the waist noting “Berra
8 38 61,” and a separate flag tag with “Set 1, 1961” attached. Every element of the jersey and pants
are completely original and unaltered. Writing inside the pants of “Steen” in light-red all-caps block
letters and smaller “Closter” likely refers to two players with brief roster experience in 1966 (Yankees
rookie league) and 1971-72 (Closter). A final note: three solid Berra autographs are featured, two
on the pants and a handsome blue Sharpie autograph across the pinstripes on the front of the
jersey. The rarity and importance of an original Berra uniform was magnified in when his 1956 home
ensemble sold for $565,000 in 2010. LOA from MEARS (A10).
Pre-certified by PSA/DNA (autos.).
This lot has a Reserve Price that has not been met.