A changing of the imperial guard is recalled with this 1951 New York Yankees world champions team-signed baseball. The Yankees were in the midst of the greatest run in baseball history when Joe DiMaggio played his final season and Mickey Mantle played his first. Mantle's rookie year came right smack in the middle of an incredible 5-year run of consecutive World Series triumphs, a feat which may never be surpassed. In addition to boasting a Mantle rookie season signature, this fantastic period-signed ball includes many of the Hall of Famers and hometown heroes that made this dynasty what it was. A total of (28) signatures ranging ("5" to "8") in strength, cover the offered OAL/Harridge baseball (VG), which is reported by our consignor to have been given to him by a member of Tommy Henrich's family.



Featured signers are:



Sweet spot: Joe DiMaggio (clubhouse), "Casey" Stengel (clubhouse);



North panel: Johnny Sain, Mickey Mantle (HOF), Joe Ostrowski, Art Schallock, Tom Morgan, Johnny Mize (HOF), Johnny Hopp;



South panel: Tom Henrich (coach), Joe Collins, Phil Rizzuto (HOF), Gil McDougald, Frank Shea, Hank Bauer, Jim Brideweser, Bobby Brown, "Yogi" Berra (HOF);



East panel: Bob Kuzava, "Stubby" Overmire (d.1977), Allie Reynolds, Bobby Hogue, Charlie Silvera, Gene Woodling, Billy Martin (d.1989);



West panel: Vic Raschi, Jerry Coleman, Ralph Houk.



Full LOA from James Spence/JSA. Opening Bid $500.