Babe Ruth 100th Anniversary Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/12/2014
By 1959 Yogi Berra was the best catcher in the American League. His adroit handling of an ever changing Yankees pitching staff led to a staggering 10 AL pennants and 8 World Championships. During the decade Berra won an unheard of three MVP Awards including back-to-back awards in 1954 and 1955. This extraordinary Spalding 1461/32.5 catcher's mitt dates to the mid-1950's era and was game used by Berra during his reign as the best backstop in the league. When the glove was presented to the catcher he confirmed it as being used by him circa "late 1950's early 1960's".
Yogi's signed statement of authenticity is included with this glove. The glove itself shows outstanding use with noticeable wear in the pocket and face of the web. The back of the glove shows the usual wear and the fleece lined wrist strap displays matting consistent with normal big league use. The Spalding label is present and some fraying of the white threads is evident. This is Berra's own model glove and as such "Larry Yogi Berra" is stamped in the palm. To top off an already outstanding pice of game used equipment, the Hall of Famer has signed his name in black marker to the left of the stamping. A Yogi Berra Museum hologram has been affixed beside the signature. PSA/DNA sticker V53843 is affixed inside the palm. Letter of Authenticity from The Yogi Berra Museum attesting to the glove being used in the late 1950's - early 1960's signed by Berra and Letter of Authenticity from PSA/DNA.