This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/31/2005.
Joe DiMaggio joined the Yankees in 1936 as one of the most highly-touted rookies in history. He lived up to all expectations, leading the league with 15 triples and batting .323 with 29 home runs and 126 RBI, and helping the Yanks to their first of four consecutive world championships. A rightfielder for the first month of his career, DiMaggio moved to centerfield before the season ended and was soon recognized as one of the finest defensive players ever at that position. In 1937, DiMaggio led the league with 46 home runs, 151 runs scored, and a .673 slugging percentage. After hitting .324 in 1938, he had a .381 average and won the AL batting crown in 1939, when he was named league MVP. DiMaggio won his second MVP award and was named AP Male Athlete of the Year in 1941, when he had his legendary 56-game hitting streak. The streak ended in Cleveland, largely because of two outstanding defensive plays by third baseman Ken Keltner. DiMaggio then hit safely in his next 17 games. He led the league in RBIs that season with 125. After hitting .305 in 1942, DiMaggio spent three years in the Army. He returned to the Yankees in 1946. In 1947, DiMaggio won another MVP award, hitting .315 with 31 doubles, 10 triples, 20 home runs, 97 runs scored, and 97 RBIs. "The Yankee Clipper" had an even better season in 1948, leading the league in home runs with 39 and RBI with 155. After the 1951 season in which he hit only .263, DiMaggio announced his retirement.
On the inside back collar of the jersey is the "A.G. Spalding & Bros." manufacturers tag. Adjacent to that is an additional tag with the jersey size "44" on it. Below that is a white felt patch with "J.Dimaggio" chain stitched in blue thread. On the left breast is the "NY" logo. On the back of the jersey is the player number "5." All lettering and numbering is done in blue felt. On the left sleeve is a red, white, and blue "Health" patch. This patch was only worn during the 1942 season for World War II. The jersey shows game use. The bottom half of the front of the jersey has been restored with vintage material. Aside from this restoration, the jersey appears to have no alterations of any kind.