Winter Auction 2017 Ending January 29
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/29/2017
To add to the pressure of being the most highly-touted rookie since Mickey Mantle, Derek Jeter faced the daunting task of breaking into a Yankee club that fielded an all-star at every position. As he would throughout his 20-year career, Jeter rose to the occasion and surpassed expectations. His 1996 rookie year saw him batting .314 and making highlight-reel worthy plays virtually every game he played. He proved to be the perfect addition to the Championship-bound Yankees and that 1996 club would be considered as one of the greatest teams in MLB history.
At the end of the season Jeter was unanimously chosen as the American League's Rookie of the Year. This Derek Jeter rookie-era bat is un-cracked and shows heavy use. The barrel is covered with ball marks and white leather ball scuffs plus deeply embedded stitch impressions. There is some light checking on the barrel and many abrasions from contact with the ground. The lower handle has a spiral of adhesive tape to enhance the grip and a light/moderate coat of pine tar has been applied. The Captain has signed the barrel between the center brand and stamping in silver making this the perfect Jeter gamer. The bat comes with a full LOA from Mears (315046), who have graded this game used bat a perfect “A10”, and a full LOA from PSA/DNA (AB13673) for the signature.