Winter Auction 2015 closing February 7
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/8/2015
1951 marked the seamless transition from one Yankees dynasty to another. As superstar Joe DiMaggio wrapped up his storied career, a young phenom from Oklahoma named Mickey Mantle was making his debut. This Reach Harridge Official American League ball, labeled "1950 World Champions" was most likely signed during the 1951 season due to the inclusion of pitcher Stubby Overmire who came to the team in mid-June. Besides future Hall of Famers Joe DiMaggio (Clubhouse), Yogi Berra, Phil Rizzuto, Mickey Mantle and Casey Stengel, 19 other members of the team that would win the third of five consecutive World Championships have signed: Jim Brideweser, Joe Ostrowski, Johnny Hopp, Johnny Sain, Allie Reynolds, Gil McDougald, Ralph Houk, Art Shallock, Gene Woodling, Specs Shea, Hank Bauer, Ed Lopat, Charlie Silvera, Bob Kuzava, Jerry Coleman, Bobby Hogue, Stub Overmire and Tom Morgan. To reinforce that this ball derives from Casey Stengel's collection, "Ol' Perfesser's" uniform number "37" is hand written over the Reach logo. All signatures are in black pen and grade between 7/10 to 9/10. Mantle and DiMaggio played together for just one season and this stunning ball is a time machine back to that single magical summer of '51. Letter of Authenticity from PSA/DNA who have graded this ball NM 7.