Spring 2020 Premium Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/20/2020
Presented is a 1927 Mark Koenig signed New York Yankees payroll check, which also features the signatures of Yankees business manager Ed Barrow and owner Jacob Ruppert. The former Yankees shortstop has signed his name in black pen on the endorsement line on the back of the white paper check dated April 20, 1927 in the amount of $669.74. The front of the check from the account of “The American League Base Ball Club of New York, Inc.” at Manufacturer’s Trust features black type and red and white stamped text. Barrow has signed his name at the front left margin of the check in black pen, while Ruppert has signed his name in black pen in the front lower right corner. Koenig was penciled into the two-hole spot in the Yankees' 1927 Opening Day lineup, with Earle Combs batting in front of him at leadoff and Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Bob Meusel and Tony Lazzeri batting behind him. This lineup, which was utilized in that order throughout the majority of the season, was given the nickname "Murderers’ Row". Many sports analysts, baseball writers and fans consider the 1927 team the greatest baseball team of all time. Although he was dismissive of the role he played, Koenig contributed to the team's success as he batted .285 and amassed 150 hits, 11 triples, 99 runs scored and 62 RBI. This item has been authenticated and encapsulated by PSA/DNA (81950440) and the signatures are graded Authentic.