October Legends
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/2/2013
The New York Yankees were coming off the disappointment of having the best American League record in 1994, but due to the players strike, there was no post season. Then in 1995, they won the Wild Card, but were eliminated by Seattle Mariners in the classic five-game ALDS. They knew they had a good team, but needed to solidify the shortstop position to have everything click into place - enter Derek Sanderson Jeter. The Yankees first round draft pick in 1992, his presence in that lineup and on the field helped lead the Yankees to the first of five World Series titles, and Jeter was voted the American League Rookie of the Year. Jeter wore this helmet during his rookie year, that magical New York Yankee 1996 season. This 7-1/4 single-flap helmet was manufactured by American Baseball Cap (ABC) in May, 1996, evidenced by the date dial located inside the helmet. The inside also contains the Diamond Collection tag, the ABC size tag and the ubiquitous warning label. The outside has the white interlocking “NY” on the front and Jeter’s number “2” on the brim and back of the helmet. Also on the back is the very distinctive ABC logo. The interior has all the original foam pads which are in excellent condition, but shows evidence of tremendous game use. The leather head band shows very even wear, but is free from any rips or cracks. The outer shell also exhibits excellent game use including tons of scratches and other markings, with the white “button” on the top partially worn away. This helmet was originally obtained in November 1996 (right after the Yankees World Series win), along with a few other Yankee helmets. This is a tremendous game used item from one of the game’s greatest shortstops, a sure-fire first-ballot Hall of Famer. A helmet which is documented to only have been used by Jeter during his rookie season, a season that Yankee team won the first World Series Championship of the Jeter era. LOA from John Taube (of J.T. Sports and PSA/DNA), one of the most distinguished game used equipment experts.