This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/10/2003.
The storied history of the New York Yankees makes it very difficult to justify giving a single-digit number to a rookie, but Derek Jeter is well on his way to joining the ranks of Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio, and Mickey Mantle in Monument Park. Jeter has averaged 200 hits per season during his career and is still improving, making 3000 hits almost an afterthought as he marches toward 3500 or even 4000 hits. Always able to put forth a clutch hit and provide clubhouse leadership even on a team full of accomplished veterans, he has begun to distinguish himself in the past few seasons as one of the greatest postseason players in the game. Jeter used this bat during the 1999 World Series, during which he hit .353 and scored four runs as his Bronx Bombers disposed of a solid Atlanta Braves team in four straight games. The 33.75 inch, 31.4 ounce P72 model Louisville Slugger exhibits use with ball, stitch, and rack marks. "1999 World Series" is stamped into the bat below Jeter's engraved signature. Jeter has signed the bat below this in silver paint pen and the signature would rate an 8 but for a slight smudge on the first "e" in Derek. Manufacturer: Hillerich & Bradsby, Model #: P72, Labeling Period: 1999 WS, Length: 33-3/4 in, Weight: 31.4 oz, Wood: Ash, Finish: Black. The bat comes with a letter of authenticity from a Yankees minor leaguer who obtained the bat directly from Jeter in the clubhouse during the 1999 World Series and had him autograph it. The autograph comes with a letter from PSA/DNA. This is a very significant Jeter bat!