In the words of Senators first baseman Joe Judge, “Those fellows not only beat you, but they tear your heart out.” Many teams have dominated their respective leagues over the course of baseball history, but few have been able to totally demoralize their competition like the Yankees did in 1927. Their lineup, appropriately dubbed "Murderer's Row," featured five .300 hitters. Among their ranks were the league leaders in virtually every offensive category. As a team, the Bronx Bombers totaled over 100 more home runs than any other team and posted league highs with a .307 batting average and an amazing .489 slugging percentage. Their sweep of the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 1927 World Series represented the culmination of the most prolific season played by any team in baseball history.
Notations "World Series" and “1927” in an unknown hand in three places surrounding Babe Ruth’s signature on the sweet spot of this Reach OAL (Ban Johnson) ball indicate it originated during the historic series. Among the 22 total signatures from the most glorified team in MLB history, six Hall of Famers are featured including; Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Tony Lazzeri, Earle Combs, Herb Pennock and Waite Hoyt. Also present are George Pipgras, Urban Shocker, Ben Paschal, Jules Wera, Bennie Bengough, Bob Shawkey, Myles Thomas, Cedric Durst, Mark Koenig, Joe Dugan, Ray Morehart, Mike Gazella, Joe Giard, Bob Meusel and Johnny Grabowski. A light, even coat of shellac has given the ball a golden tone and dutifully preserved the black fountain pen signatures at an average rating of 7/10 overall. Small areas scuffing affect some areas but has little effect on the quality of the autographs or the baseball's overall visual appeal. PSA/DNA has verified that this ball is free from clubhouse signatures. They have also determined that a small portion of the top loop of the “B” in Babe Ruth’s signature has been slightly enhanced, evident only through intense magnification.
There is not a more important or coveted team-signed ball to own in any sport, and this one certainly ranks up there amongst the finest we’ve handled.
Full LOA from PSA/DNA (AE84584).