This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/5/2007.
For the New York Yankees, 1936 was a year of change. After losing the two previous pennants to the Detroit Tigers, the Yankees found new life in 1936 and they found a star outfielder for the future. Having released Babe Ruth just a year earlier, the Yankees were looking for their first pennant since 1932. In his first Major League season, Joe DiMaggio hit 29 home runs and drove in 129 runs. His batting average was third on the team, trailing only Lou Gehrig and Bill Dickey. Gehrig won the MVP that season with 49 home runs and 152 RBIs with a .354 batting average. Dickey, the catcher, hit 22 home runs and drove in 107, leading the team with a .362 batting average. With spectacular pitching as well, the 1936 Yankees defeated the Giants in a six-game World Series and went on to win the next four straight World Championships. This Reach OAL (Harridge) baseball has been signed in black fountain pen by 23 members of the 1936 World Champion New York Yankees. Signatures include HOFer Lou Gehrig on the sweet spot, HOFers Bill Dickey, Tony Lazzeri, Joe DiMaggio, Red Ruffing and Lefty Gomez, Red Rolfe, Frank Crosetti, George Selkirk, Jake Powell, Roy Johnson, Joe Glenn, Jack Saltzgaver, Art Jorgens, Don Heffner, Monte Pearson, Johnny Broaca, Bump Hadley, Pat Malone, Johnny Murphy, Jumbo Brown, Ted Kleinhans and one other. Gorgeous ball is lightly toned, signatures range from 6 to 8 with the Gehrig grading a 7. Accompanied by a LOA from JSA.