This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 6/27/2002.
But for a broken-bat flare in the Arizona desert, the New York Yankees would have had their fourth straight set of victory rings and fifth in six years. The Yankees' defeat in the last World Series hardly diminishes this dynasty, and this lot of snow-white, near-mint Official World Series balls are a testament to their selflessness and unity, as all are signed by the core of players who made the engine run, notably shortstop Derek Jeter, outfielders Bernie Williams and Paul O'Neill, first baseman Tino Martinez, pitcher Andy Pettitte, relief pitcher Mariano Rivera, and manager Joe Torre, whose signature is on the sweet spot of all of the balls. The 1996 ball (28 signatures) also includes Charlie Hayes, Jim Leyritz, David Cone, etc. The 1998 ball (29) also includes David Wells, Scott Brosius, Chuck Knoblauch, Joe Girardi, Shane Spencer, etc. The 1999 ball (28) also includes Orlando Hernandez, Roger Clemens, Chad Curtis. The 2000 ball (25) also includes David Justice, Jorge Posada, etc. The 2001 ball (26) also includes Mike Mussina, Alfonso Soriano, etc. Signatures on all balls range from high 8s to 10s.