1927 New York Yankees “Murderers Row” Team-Signed Official American League Baseball
(Full JSA • Championship Season • Halper/Sotheby's Collection)
The Legendary 1927 New York Yankees Signed Baseball
A Historic Season for the Ages
The 1927 New York Yankees are often heralded as one of the greatest baseball teams in history. With a staggering 110-44 regular season record, they not only dominated the American League but also swept the Pittsburgh Pirates in the World Series. This remarkable achievement broke the previous American League record set by the 1912 Boston Red Sox. The Yankees’ offensive prowess was unmatched, as they batted an impressive .307 and outscored their opponents by a record 376 runs.
Key Players and Their Impact
Among the luminaries of this iconic team were Earle Combs, who hit .356, and Bob Meusel, who batted .337 with 103 RBIs. Second baseman Tony Lazzeri also made a significant contribution with 102 RBIs. However, it was Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth who truly stole the show. Gehrig, with a .373 batting average, 47 home runs, and a then-record 175 RBIs, was rightfully voted the AL MVP. Meanwhile, Ruth finished the season with a .356 batting average, 164 RBIs, and an astounding 60 home runs, breaking his own record. This formidable lineup earned the moniker “Murderers’ Row.”
The Signed Baseball: A Piece of History
Presented here is a “REACH” manufactured OAL Johnson baseball, a tangible relic from this legendary team. The ball is adorned with the signatures of 23 members of the 1927 World Champion New York Yankees, including Hall of Famers such as Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Waite Hoyt, Tony Lazzeri, and Earle Combs. Each signature is a testament to the greatness of these players and their unforgettable season.
- Babe Ruth: 1927 AL Home Run Leader
- Lou Gehrig: 1927 AL MVP & AL RBI Leader
- Waite Hoyt: 1927 AL Wins Leader
- Tony Lazzeri: Key contributor with 102 RBIs
- Earle Combs: Batted .356
Additional signatures include Wilcy Moore, Myles Thomas, Bob Shawkey, Benny Bengough, Ben Paschal, Urban Shocker, Mike Gazella, Ray Morehart, Johnny Grabowski, Julie Wera, George Pipgras, Mark Koenig, Walter “Dutch” Ruether, Bob Meusel, Pat Collins, Cedric Durst, and Joe Giard. Notably, the ball also features the signature of Yankees bat-boy Eddie Bennett, considered a “good luck charm” by owner Jacob Ruppert.
Condition and Authentication
The signatures, executed in black period fountain ink, range from a 3 to a 6 in overall quality, reflecting the passage of time yet preserving their historical significance. The baseball itself is in near-mint condition, with an even shellac coating that has preserved its integrity. Accompanying this remarkable piece is a full Letter of Authenticity from JSA, ensuring its provenance and value.
This extraordinary baseball is not just a piece of baseball memorabilia; it is a fragment of sports history, capturing the essence of a team that redefined excellence. For those interested in acquiring such a rare artifact, it represents an opportunity to own a piece of the past, a testament to the enduring legacy of the 1927 New York Yankees. Explore more about this and other sports memorabilia at Grey Flannel Auctions, where history comes alive through our curated collections.
* This text was generated from the original auction listing.