If one had to choose one moment in World Series history as the most dramatic, unbeatable individual performance, Don Larsen’s perfect game in 1956 has to be the one. That Larsen pitched in a World Series was in and of itself quite remarkable. The right-hander came up with the lowly St. Louis Browns in 1953 and was one of only a handful of Brownies who made the move to Baltimore when the franchise became the Orioles in 1954.

     That first year in Baltimore, Larsen led the American League with 21 losses. Backed up by terrible teams with no offensive power, Larsen’s career record was 17-33 when he was mercifully traded to the Yankees in 1955. However a sore arm got him sent to the minors for most of the season. Back with New York in 1956, Larsen emerged as one of the team’s best starters, going 11-5 for the pennant winning Yankees. In the World Series against the Dodgers, Larsen started Game 2 but got sent to the showers in the 2nd inning after Brooklyn scored four runs on their way to a 13-8 win. With the series tied at two games apiece, Larsen came back for Game 5 and made World Series history by pitching a perfect no-hit game. It was for this feat - the first and only no-hitter or perfect game in World Series play - that Don Larsen was voted the Series MVP.

     Officially called “The Babe Ruth Award”, the wooden plaque measures 12 x 15 ½ inches with an engraved centerpiece that reads “To the outstanding player of the 1956 World Series Don Larsen New York Yankees Presented by the New York Chapter of the Baseball Writers Ass’n of America”. The award’s wooden base shows some edge wear and dings. The plaque has surface abrasions and toning from age and storage. A true piece of baseball history acknowledging a feat of post season excellence that will likely never be matched. This item comes directly from Don Larsen's personal collection. A signed Don Larsen letter of authenticity is included.

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