This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/23/2019
Yankees standout starter Bob Turley was known to keep a game ball from every victory of his career, and this well-soiled OAL (Cronin) sphere is one of them. Notations in blue ballpoint by Turley read "Beat Minnesota 7 to 3" and "May 2, 1961, 6 hits" on the sweet spot and south panels, respectively. (Date is off by one day.) Turley went the distance in Metropolitan Stadium that day against the Twins for his third win of the '61 season. Unfortunately, bone chips found in Turley's right elbow later that season would be too much to overcome for the 6' 2" righty and '58 A.L. Cy Young winner.
As a tremendous bonus to this lot is the fact that Roger Maris blasted a 3-run homer (with Turley on base) in the 7th inning to seal the win for Turley and the Yanks. It was the humble slugger's second of his fabled 61 that season that would break Babe Ruth's iconic record. Few game balls from the "Race to 61 in '61" have surfaced in the market.
According to a previous auction listing, this ball was acquired from a family member of Turley's by a respected collector who has provided a letter of provenance. Also includes LOA from MEARS (Authentic).