This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/3/2020
Juan Gonzalez put together one of the most productive decades in MLB history in the 1990s, averaging 37 homers and 117 RBI from 1991 to ’99 during which time the rightfielder won six Silver Sluggers awards. The Puerto Rican slugger was twice named American League MVP, the latter of which came in 1998 when he batted .318 with 45 dingers and led the Junior Circuit with 50 doubles and 157 ribbies. While most attention was paid to the home run race over in the N.L. between McGwire and Sosa, “Juan Gone” became the first player to reach 100+ RBI in the first half of a season since Hank Greenberg in 1935. The 3-time All-Star retired just 66 homers shy of the elite 500-HR Club.
Baseball’s highest seasonal award of individual achievement rarely leaves its original recipient’s hands. Offered here is the only MVP award issued to Juan Gonzalez from his outstanding 1998 campaign. He has autographed the back with the emphatic inscription "My Original 1998 M.V.P.” in 7-8/10 silver marker. The robust circular piece of blackened wood measures 16" in diameter with an octagonal metal plaque announcing "KENESAW MOUNTAIN LANDIS - MEMORIAL BASEBALL AWARD” in large silver letters. Within a silver baseball diamond is a lovely raised golden portrait of the Hall of Fame Commissioner with his years of service (1921-1944). At center is “MOST VALUABLE PLAYER AMERICAN LEAGUE” in silver above a golden placard reading “JUAN GONZALEZ Texas Rangers” and a raised baseball marked “1998” with two golden crossed bats. The Baseball Writers Association of America emblem sits atop home plate. The reverse is stamped by manufacturer Herff Jones on a golden oval placard. This coveted piece of hardware has just the slightest evidence of handling and storage and presents beautifully. Autograph and inscription pre-certified by Beckett.