October Legends Closing November 1
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/2/2014
In the late summer of 1951 the Giants and Dodgers were locked in a death match for the National League pennant. Over in the American League, the New York Yankees were cruising to the third of what would eventually be five consecutive pennants and World Championships. On the surface it would appear that those five teams were just one continual dynasty when in fact those championships were won with two distinct Yankee lineups. The 1951 team was the bridge between to pre-World War II stars and the young crop of heroes that would lead the team into the 1960's. Older stars like Phil Rizzuto and Johnny Mize passed the Championship baton to future Yankee stars Billy Martin, Hank Bauer and Jackie Jensen. The biggest change of course was taking place in the outfield where the aging Joe DiMaggio was being replaced by a young kid from Oklahoma named Mickey Mantle. Unlike most of the other transitions on the team which went seamlessly, the one which garnered the most attention was the most difficult. DiMaggio didn't make 1951 easy for his replacement, giving the youngster the cold shoulder as he struggled to live up to his expectation as The Clipper's successor. Despite Mantle's rookie struggles and DiMaggio's difficulties with letting go, that '51 team is among the franchise's most legendary as it was the only one in which the two Yankee all time greats played together.
This 1951 ball represents the most pivotal year in Pinstripe History as it contains both of these Yankee superstars on the same ball during their playing days. Sometime during that momentous season, a group of baseballs were passed around the locker room and signed by 25 current players and manager Casey Stengel – which is real and not the usual secretarial signature.
This signed ball contains no less than six Hall of Famers, plus many other significant Yankee stars. On the surface the ball signed by the team looks like a typical Official American League ball of the period, however the markings have faded away. It displays moderate toning but the signatures (“6-9”) are all clear and legible, averaging (“7-8”). As the preeminent slugger in the game, Joe DiMaggio has majestically signed the sweet spot. Also includes Yogi Berra, Phil Rizzuto, Ed Lopat, Joe Collins, Tom Morgan, Bob Kuzava, Ralph Houk, Stub Overmire, Mickey Mantle, Jack Kramer, Casey Stengel, Bobby Hogue, Johnny Mize, Charlie Silvera, Joe Ostrowski, Art Schallock, Gil McDougald, Vic Raschi, Hank Bauer, Gene Woodling, Jerry Coleman, Frank Crosetti, Billy Martin, Tom Henrich, Allie Reynolds and Bobby Brown. The ball is lightly toned, with a few minor surface blemishes and/or abrasions (including one that touches upon the Mantle signature). In Very Good to Excellent condition. 1951 New York Yankees team-signed balls are among the most desirable from the era, and the offered ball represents an outstanding example dating from one of the most memorable years in New York Yankees history.
Comes with JSA LOA.