This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/28/2021
While everybody understands the elite significance of this particular pinstriped edition, a World Championship model best remembered for the twin assault on Ruth's single-season home run record, only cultured collectors are aware of the rarity of team balls like this one. The M&M Boys were so inundated with autograph requests during that historic season that most team balls bear clubhouse signatures from Mantle or Maris, or both.
But the offered lot is a welcome diversion from the norm, as all twenty-six autographs adorning this "J deBeer & Son...Official League" ball are the genuine article, including Mantle and Berra (sharing the sweet spot), Maris (A.L. MVP), Ford (Cy Young and World Series MVP), Howard, Skowron, Kubek, Turley, Sain, Crosetti, Houk and more. The signatures of Terry, Richardson, Ditmar, Daley, and Reniff were added later. Ball presents off-white with some mild toning while the blue ballpoint autographs grade an overall 9/10 in strength. One of the finest baseballs we've handled from the team that Mantle considered the best of his eighteen seasons in the Bronx. Accompanied by dual Letters of Authenticity from PSA/DNA and James Spence Authentication (JSA).