This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/1/2002.
One of the most prestigious individual awards in the sporting world, a Gold Glove represents that a fielder is not only automatic on routine plays, but also has the ability to turn hits into outs. Outstanding fielding like this is finally starting to receive its deserved respect with the induction of Bill Mazeroski and Ozzie Smith, each of whom primarily excelled defensively, into Cooperstown. This Sporting News Gold Glove was awarded to New York Yankees second baseman Bobby Richardson in 1963 and was Richardson's third of five consecutive Gold Gloves, which he earned with his tremendous range and ability to turn two. Richardson played second base on seven Yankees pennant-winning teams and teamed with shortstop Tony Kubek to lead the American League in double plays on four occasions. The Gold Glove Award is 15" high on a 16" x 7" wooden base. On the base is a gold plaque with the engraving "2b Bobby Richardson - 3rd Award - 1963 The Sporting News American League All-Star Fielding Team." Mounted on the base is a 9.5" x 9.5" wooden baseball diamond and on it is a plaque resembling a baseball field which reads "Rawlings Gold Glove Award." To the left of the diamond is a Rawlings fielder's glove that is painted gold and has black stamping that reads "Major League All-Star Fielding Team." To the right of the diamond is a gold baseball mounted on a gold base with the engraving "1963." The ball has some tarnishing due to age but otherwise, the award is in near mint condition. An item like this immediately brings a collection of baseball memorabilia to a higher level. Yankee Gold Gloves are near impossible to obtain.