October Legends and Americana Ending November 14th
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2015
When fall came in 1965, something just seemed different. The birds still flew south and leaves fell from the trees, but the Yankees were not in the World Series. 1965 marked the beginning of a long, steep decline for the Yankees and in the coming decade they would see themselves hit the bottom depths of the standings for the first time since the 1910's. Still, the 1965 team had all the old greats: Whitey Ford still took the mound and Mantle still hit them out of the park. Roger Maris, though never really loved by Yankee fans, was a brand name all-star amongst a steadily growing group of b-listers. Jim Bouton, the once promising pitcher expected to be the next Whitey Ford, experiencing arm trouble. Between starts be began scribbling down secret observances of his teammates, eventually to becoming the controversial book "Ball Four". This Reach Official American League ball collects 32 of the last great Yankees team before the drought. Signed in crisp blue ball point the signatures include Hall of Famers Mickey Mantle (sweet-spot), Roger Maris and Whitey Ford. Standouts include Jim Bouton, Mel Stottlemyre, Tony Kubek and manager Johnny Keane. The signatures are in outstanding condition rating solid 9/10 with the exception of Keane which is lighter than the rest. The ball is a creamy white allowing the signatures to pop. Letter of Authenticity from JSA.