Though it is hard to fathom it today, back in 1995 Derek Jeter was tasked with trying to break into a Yankees lineup that boasted an All-Star at every position. That rookie season Jeter was touted as the best prospect to come out of the Yankees farm system since Mickey Mantle. With such lofty expectations and formidable veterans standing in his way, it would be understandable if Derek Jeter faltered – but then again, that was never an option for him.

Called up for a few weeks in 1995, the 20-year-old hit a credible .250 in 13 games. It would only be an appetizer for what was to come. Jeter was the Yankees starting shortstop on Opening Day 1996 and never looked back, surpassing all expectations by hitting .314 with 10 home runs and 78 RBI and took the Rookie of the Year honors. He went on to hit .361 in the post season as the Yanks defeated Atlanta to bring home their first World Championship since 1978. Throwing any concerns for a “sophomore jinx” out the window, Jeter had a near-duplicate year stat-wise in 1997, cementing his place on the Yankees and along with Andy Pettitte, Jorge Posada, and Mariano Rivera formed the team’s “Core Four” that would lead the Yankees to four World Series championships in five years.

This bat was wielded by Jeter during his first three formative seasons. The 1995-1997 Louisville Slugger P72 model bat is un-cracked and shows light to moderate use. The barrel displays several ball marks and stitch impressions on all sides along with white leather ball scuffs and cleat imprints. The handle has a light coat of pine tar. A tremendous gamer from the initial seasons where Derek Jeter was creating a reputation as the latest in a long line of Yankees greats. This bat comes with a LOA from PSA/DNA (1B15434) for the game use.

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