This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/1/2002.
1951 saw a changing of the guard at Yankee Stadium. One Hall of Fame career was ending with DiMaggio's retirement, while another was beginning with Mantle's rookie season. In the only season that the two would play together, they led their team to a World Series victory against the New York Giants. A total of 26 members on that World Champion team signed this ball, including Joe DiMaggio (sweetspot), Mickey Mantle, Billy Martin, Stubby Overmire, Hank Bauer, John Sain, Jim Brideweser, Tom Morgan, Bobby Hogue, Bobby Brown, Frank "Spec" Shea, Art Shallock, Gil McDougald, Allie Reynolds, Jerry Coleman, Johnny Mize, Joe Ostrowski, Joe Collins, Ralph Houk, Bob Kuzava, Gene Woodling, Vic Raschi, Phil Rizzuto, Charlie Silvera, Yobi Berra, and Ed Lopat. The signatures are in mostly black ink and rate between 4 and 8 with DiMaggio being one of the strongest. The Mantle is a fine example of a rookie signature rating
6 to 7. The ball displays a nice cream color and is an Official ball, however, the stampings are very light, which may indicate that this was a game ball. "New York Yankees 1951 World Champions" has been written on the reverse sweet spot and "1951" appears on the panel below. The autographs come with a letter from PSA/DNA.