This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/10/2001.
Yogi Berra led the American League in games caught and chances eight times, and this magnificently weathered catcher's mask worn by the redoubtable "Mr. Berra," has seen some heavy duty action in its time. The time was the 1950s, after Yogi had established himself as the premier defensive catcher in baseball, from July 28, 1957 to May 10, 1958, he set a major league record by catching 148 straight games without an error. Still clear today is the name "Yogi Berra" engraved in block letters with the model number "1514" on one strap, and on the front of the now-rusted chin piece, Yogi signed his name in gold ink. The signature of "Yogi" is light, but "Berra" is distinct and unmistakable.