In the summer of 1961, Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris engaged in baseball’s first great arms race, as both sluggers raced to break Babe Ruth’s single-season home run record. Maris emerged with the record, mashing 61 home runs, while Mantle, hampered by injury, finished with a still-incredible 54. These Yanks were destined for a World Series title and they did not disappoint, defeating the Cincinnati Reds in five games.

     This Official American League Bobby Brown baseball was signed at a reunion event by 30 surviving members of the 1961 Yankees. Hall of Famers Mantle, Yogi Berra, and White Ford signed the ball, with Berra and Mantle’s signatures appearing in the sweet spot. Other autographs include Moose Skowron, Jesse Gonder, Johnny Blanchard, Ralph Terry, Bob Cerv, Bob Hale, Bob Turley, Al Downing, Clete Boyer, Rollie Sheldon, Bobby Richardson, and many more. The signatures are written in blue pen. This ball comes with a LOA from Steve Grad of Beckett Authentication (A03082).

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