The 1973 New York Yankees finished with a record of 80-82, 17 games behind the Orioles in the AL East. CBS, who owned the franchise since 1965 and was arguably driving it into the ground, finally sold the team on January 3, 1973, to a group of investors led by George Steinbrenner for $10 million. Following the season, "The House That Ruth Built" on the south side of 161st Street in the Bronx underwent a major one-year renovation. Also of note, fan favorite Bobby Murcer became the second Yankee to earn $100,000 in a single season, joining Mickey Mantle.
Commemorating a year of significant change and growth for the storied Pinstripers, this high-grade '73 team ball holds 28 authentic signatures, with no Clubhouse to speak of. Notables include captain Thurman Munson (8.5/10), Graig Nettles, Sparky Lyle, Elston Howard and Roy White, with a sweet spot trio of manager Ralph Houk, Mel Stottlemyre and Murcer. Others are McDowell, Turner, Dobson, Beene, Blomberg, Clarke, Granger, Hart, Hegan (twice), Howser, Kline, Lanier, McDaniel, Medich, Michael, Moses, Sanchez, Peterson and Stanley. "1973 N.Y. Yankees" is in unknown hand. The cream-colored OAL (Cronin) ball has no condition issues and, together with the bold blue ink autographs, rates 8-9/10. Full LOA from PSA/DNA (AG02537). Comes in PSA/DNA ball cube (cert. 81371269) indicating NM-MT+ 8.5 grade.