1951 New York Yankees Team-Signed Ball with Mantle

Dating from one of the most historic years in New York Yankees history, this 1951 New York Yankees team-signed baseball is accompanied by the additional provenance of originating from the personal collection of Yankees Hall of Fame shortstop Phil Rizzuto. The official American League (Harridge) ball has been signed in either blue or black ink by the following twenty-four members of the 1951 World Champion New York Yankees: DiMaggio (clubhouse, sweet spot), Mantle, Berra, Rizzuto, Martin, Bauer, Collins, Ostrowski, Brown, Coleman, Mapes, Raschi, Kuzava, Kramer, McDougald, Houk (twice), Lopat, Shea, Woodling, Morgan, Hopp, Overmire, Silvera, and Reynolds. Signatures range in grade from "7" to "10," averaging "8/9." The number "10" (Rizzuto's uniform number) is written on a side panel in blue ink. When balls were being signed for team members, clubhouse attendants wrote the player's number on a side panel for inventory purposes, for organization and so that the other players would know for whom the ball was being signed. The ball is also accompanied by a signed letter of authenticity from Cora Rizzuto (Phil's wife) attesting to its provenance. The year 1951 was a momentous one in Yankees history as the team bid fond farewell to the "Yankee Clipper," Joe DiMaggio, and welcomed his heir apparent, Mickey Mantle. The transition was certainly a smooth one, as the Yankees captured their third consecutive World Championship (en route to a record five consecutive titles) by defeating the Giants in the World Series. LOA from James Spence/JSA. Reserve $300. Estimate $500/$1,000. SOLD FOR $1,410.00

Spring 2007 - Item detail

1951 New York Yankees Team-Signed Ball with Mantle