This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 5/11/2001.
From 1949-53 the New York Yankees won five consecutive World Championships. Nothing could stop the Yankees, not even Joe DiMaggio's retirement after the 1951 season, which opened up centerfield for Mickey Mantle. This slightly scraped ball may be one of the last ones signed by Joe D as a Yankee, and the respect due him is evident on the ball, which was signed by 25 members of the ‘51 team. Joe D's signature is penned with authority on the sweet spot, rating a neat 7, while Mantle's grade-7 signature is a name in the crowd, the lowest one on a side panel. All signatures are in blue ink and rate 7s and 8s. Others include Yogi Berra, Allie Reynolds, Gil McDougald, Hank Bauer, Eddie Lopat, etc.