1995 Don Mattingly Game Worn and Signed Jersey

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/9/2015

This game worn and signed 1995 Don Mattingly New York Yankees pinstriped button down home jersey is a fittingly symbolic physical manifestation of Donnie Baseball’s dignified 14-year career. An honorable link in the lineage of legendary Yankees lore though he never got taste of World Series champagne Mattingly bridged the gap of great Yankees captains from Thurman Munson (1976-1979) to Derek Jeter (2003-214) and with no disrespect to the other team captains that served in between (Graig Nettles, 1982-1984, Willie Randolph 1975-1992, and Ron Guidry 1975-1988) they did not possess that quintessential Yankees essence that Mattingly embodied. Mattingly’s number 23 was retired by the Yankees and he took his place in the Stadium’s Monument Park on August 27, 1997 just two years after he retired from playing. Mattingly wore this size-44 classic Yankees pinstriped jersey during his final season with the team in 1995 the one and only year the Yankees reached the post-season during his tenure with the team. Mattingly hit .417 with a home runs and six RBI in the Yankees devastating five-game loss to the Seattle Mariners in the 1995 ALCS. Mattingly’s number 23 is attached in navy tackle twill on the back and he signed the jersey in bold black sharpie with a “95” inscription above the Yankees iconic interlocking NY logo on the front left breast. A Russell Athletic and size 44 MLB Authentic Diamond Collection manufacturers label with “100% Polyester” flag tag and “Mattingly 95” strip tag are on the left front tail. The number 7 and a black armband are on the right sleeve in commemoration of Yankees legend Mickey Mantle’s passing on August 13, 1995 which somehow seems appropriate on one of the last jersey ever won by Mattingly. Jersey reveals only light wear and comes with a letter of authenticity from game worn jersey expert Dave Miedema.