Circa 1938 George Selkirk NY Yankees Game-Used Cap and Glove

Sold For:

$1,880

Year:

1940

Auction:

2009 Spring

Lot #:

1207

Category:

Post-1900 Baseball Memorabilia

New York Yankees cap worn by star outfielder George Selkirk. The navy cap features the club's familiar "NY" logo on the front and a "Spalding" label on the interior headband. Attribution to Selkirk is conclusively affirmed by the fact that both his name "G. Selkirk" and the hat size ("7") are chain-stitched in green along the interior headband. The hat displays moderate wear and remains in fine condition given its age and former use. Accompanying the hat is a George Selkirk endorsed right-handed fielder's glove manufactured by Goldsmith. Selkirk's facsimile signature is stamped in silver in the pocket, as are "Professional Model - Goldsmith - GS - Genuine Horsehide." This glove, which is a top-of-the-line model, was originally obtained together with the hat, which adds some level of provenance. However, it must be noted the Goldsmith "Professional Model - GS" glove was available in retail stores beginning in 1938, and there is no other documentation attributing it to Selkirk; therefore without additional information there is no way for us to state with certainty that this is a glove personally game-used by Selkirk, though it may well be. The glove displays moderate wear including the loss of the top web strap. George Selkirk had the unenviable task of replacing Babe Ruth in the New York Yankees outfield in 1935. Adding to the pressure was the fact that the team also issued him Ruth's old number, "3." Although he was a big man, standing over six-feet tall, Selkirk was not a slugger like Ruth, but he was a fine hitter. Selkirk batted .312 with 11 home runs and 94 RBI in 1935. In nine seasons with the Yankees he batted over .300 five times and twice drove in over 100 runs. He was also a key member of the club's 1936-1939 dynasty. He retired after the 1942 season with 108 home runs, 576 RBI, and a .290 lifetime average. LOA from Troy Kinunen/MEARS (MEARS does not grade hats or gloves). Reserve $300. Estimate $500/$1,000. SOLD FOR $1,880