1941 Ticket Stub from the Game in which Joe DiMaggio's Record 56-Game Hitting Streak Came to an End

Sold For:

$2,133

Year:

1941

Auction:

2014 Spring

Lot #:

1194

Category:

Post-1900 Baseball Memorabilia

On July 17, 1941, one of the most remarkable feats in baseball history came to a finish when the Cleveland Indians ended Joe DiMaggio's record 56-game hitting streak at Cleveland Stadium. Offered here is an extremely rare ticket stub from that historic game. This is only the third ticket stub from this game we have seen and the first we have ever offered. Its scarcity seems surprising given the fact that 67,000 fans showed up that night to see if "Joltin' Joe" could keep his streak alive. If not for Indians third baseman Ken Keltner, the streak would most likely have continued. Keltner twice "robbed" DiMaggio of hits with backhand stabs of balls down the line, once in the first inning and again in the seventh. The Yankees gave DiMaggio one last chance by rallying for two runs in the top of the eighth, but DiMaggio hit into a double-play with the bases loaded to end the inning. Despite the end of what had been a national obsession over the previous few weeks, DiMaggio showed no remorse after the game, telling reporters "I'm tickled to death it's over." The next day DiMaggio began a new streak that lasted sixteen games. The ticket stub (3.75 x 1.25 inches) displays a heavy vertical crease, as well as a few other minor creases, and is in Very Good condition overall. Accompanying the ticket, and perfect for display with it, is a limited-edition signed lithograph, titled My 56th Consecutive Game Hit, signed by DiMaggio in blue Sharpie (grading "10"). The lithograph (23.5 x 27.5 inches) is numbered "200/1000" and is also signed by the artist (Stephen Gardner) in pencil. Near Mint condition. Total: 2 items (ticket stub and signed lithograph). LOA from James Spence/JSA. Reserve $500. Estimate (open). SOLD FOR $2,133