Presented is a Joe DiMaggio signature and inscription on an Official American League William Harridge baseball. The “Yankee Clipper” has inscribed “To Steve, Best Wishes Joe DiMaggio” in blue pen to the right of the sweet spot. In his rookie season with the Yankees, 1936, DiMaggio batted .323 during the regular season and .346 against the New York Giants during the World Series. In 1937 DiMaggio led the American League in home runs and runs scored, and in 1939 and 1940 he led the American League in batting, with averages of .381 and .352. DiMaggio was a very consistent hitter; early in his career, during his 1933 season with the San Francisco Seals of the Pacific Coast League, he had a hitting streak of 61 consecutive games. His consistency led to one of the most remarkable records of major league baseball—DiMaggio’s feat of hitting safely in 56 consecutive games (May 15 to July 16, 1941). Between 1936 and 1951 DiMaggio helped the Yankees to nine World Series titles—in 1936, 1937, 1938, 1939, 1941, 1947, 1949, 1950, and 1951. During the same period the Yankees won 10 American League championships (the Yankees won the pennant but not the World Series in 1942). William Harridge served as President of the American League from 1931 to 1959 and was elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972. The American League Championship Series trophy is named the William Harridge Trophy in his honor. This item comes with a full LOA from Steve Grad of Beckett Authentication (A11728).

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