Although the 1920s Yankees teams have received more attention, most likely due to the giant presence of Babe Ruth, history has proven the 1936-1939 editions of the Yankees were a far superior clubs. Beginning with their 1936 victory over the cross-town rival Giants, the Gehrig-DiMaggio-led Yankees proceeded to win an astounding four consecutive World Championships. Every season these talent-laden teams got stronger due to their bottomless farm system and manager Joe McCarthy’s savvy handling of young pitchers.

     This was the club that perfected the Yankees tradition of professionalism and complete dedication to victory. Perhaps the best example of this is when a sports writer asked Joe McCarthy why he liked Joe Gordon so much. McCarthy called Gordon over and asked: “Joe, what is your batting average right now?” “I don’t know,” Gordon replied. “How many home runs have you hit this season?” “I have no idea”. “What about your fielding average?” “Hell if I know,” Gordon replied, and McCarthy excused him. “That’s what I like,” McCarthy stated. “All he does is come to beat you.” Now imagine a roster filled with 25 guys like that and you have the 1938 Yankees. With a mound staff anchored by veterans Lefty Gomez and Red Ruffing, and the big bats of Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio and Bill Dickey, the Yankees of 1938 not only crushed the American League competition, but also swept the Chicago Cubs in the World Series.

     Although the Yanks would go on to sweep the World Series again in 1939, it would be without their silent leader, Lou Gehrig. 1938 was the great first baseman’s last season in which he performed at his Hall of Fame level. At some point during the 1938 season, 19 members of this historic team signed this Jake Powell model Hanna Barite bat in black fountain including Hall of Famers Lou Gehrig, Bill Dickey, Red Ruffing and Lefty Gomez, along with Spud Chandler, Joe Gordon, Steve Sundra, Ivy Andrews and Myril Hoag. The Hanna Barite shows good use with some wear visible. The wood has aged to a golden brown, giving it a nice vintage glow. This is a museum-quality piece from one of the greatest Yankees clubs of all-time. The bat comes with a full LOA from PSA/DNA (G59414) for the signatures.

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