Babe Ruth 100th Anniversary Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/12/2014
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 5 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 that 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 greats played together.
This 1951 ball represents the most pivotal year in Pinstripe History. Besides having both of these Yankee superstars on the same ball during their playing days, it is also significant in that it can be dated between July 31 (when Cliff Mapes was traded) to August 31 (when Art Schallock was released). Sometime during that month stretch, Yankee fan Ken Wilson went to a game as the guest of his uncle, the Yankees rookie Tom Morgan. Morgan was having a phenomenal summer (9-3) as the team swept into the post season. To give his nephew the ultimate souvenir of the game, Morgan disappeared inside and returned shortly with this signed baseball. Morgan must have been as awed in the presence of all those Yankees greats as his young nephew was when receiving it!
Signed by Morgan and 31 of his teammates, this signed ball contains no less than 6 Hall of Famers. On the surface the ball signed by the team looks like a typical Official American League ball of the period, but under close examination it shows no manufacturer markings. It displays light aging and the signatures (4/10-8/10) are all clear and legible. As the preeminent slugger in the game, Joe DiMaggio has majestically signed the sweet spot. Most players have signed in black pen but it appears at least 3 different pens were used as the ball was passed around the club house. It appears like Tom Morgan signed the ball first and then passed it to his teammates. Hall of Famers include Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Bill Dickey, Johnny Mize, Yogi Berra and Phil Rizzuto in addition to the rest of the 1951 World Champions: Jerry Coleman, Bobby Brown, Jim Turner, Hank Bauer, Ralph Houk, Phil Rizzuto, Bob Kuzava, Charlie Silvera, Jack Kramer, Cliff Mapes, Tommy Henrich, Billy Martin, Stub Overmire, Gene Woodling, Jack Jensen, Eddie Lopat, Johnny Hopp, Art Schallock, Joe Collins, Frank Crosetti, Frank O'Shea, Allie Reynolds, Gil McDougald, Joe Ostrowski, Vic Raschi and Casey Stengel (secretary). Letter of Authenticity from PSA/DNA and James Spence Authentication. LOA from Morgan Family.