Opening Day Auction 2014
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/26/2014
Rookie Derek Jeter was the New York Yankees starting shortstop on Opening Day, 1996, and by the season's end the 22 year old had batted .314 with 10 homers, 78 RBI, taking home the Rookie of the Year Award. More importantly, Jeter solidified a veteran Yankee team ending the season with the Yankees first World Series victory since 1978. Established factory records, and player characteristics indicate this bat was used during the 1996 season - Derek Jeter's rookie year! It is amazing how Jeter has used the same model number bat his entire storied career. This uncracked 33.5 inch, 31 ounce Louisville Slugger P72 block letter model bat shows evidence of outstanding game use with some checking from repeated ball contact, which has been professionaly repaired. Many ball marks, stitch impressions, ink transfers and white leather scuffs cover the barrel, and a light coating of pine tar exists on the handle. The sweet spot contains a bold, silver Sharpie "Derek Jeter ROY 96" signature and inscription. The LOA from PSA/DNA states "Documentation provided by the owner confirms the bat was purchased during the 1996 baseball season. This provenance allows us to pinpoint the bat to Jeter's 1996 rookie season" Full LOA from PSA/DNA, cert number E36821, graded PSA GU 9; and full LOA from PSA/DNA, cert number B21472 for the signature. This is an exceptional Derek Jeter game used and signed bat from his Rookie of the Year 1996 season!