1953 New York Yankees Team Signed Baseball. Mantle, 25 Sigs WS Champions. JSA

1953 NY Yankees Team Signed Baseball
From the "Gene Woodling Collection"

This coveted Yankee team ball features 25 members of the 1953 World Series Champions. This Yankees went 99-52 for their fifth consecutive title, a record which most believe will never be broken!

Signed at the period, this vintage American League Baseball features a classic early-style Mickey Mantle autograph on the side panel. Mantle was just 22 years old, and fresh off his rookie year. He hadn't quite taken over the League yet, so it was custom that the Oklahoma Kid would sign the side panel. (In later years as we know, Mantle penned the sweet spot of nearly every ball.) The Mick's teammates and Hall of Famers Yogi Berra, Johnny Mize, and Phil Rizzuto have also signed. Other notable signatures include the 1953 WS MVP, Billy Martin, and star pitchers Allie Reynolds, Hank Bauer, John Sain, Ed Lopat, Tom Gorman, and Vic Raschi also signed the horsehide.

The number "14" is written on the Official Reach stamp, indicating that this ball belonged to outfielder Gene Woodling, who of course wore #14. Comes with a Letter of Authenticity from JSA.

While Koufax is alive and well at age 85 (if you see him at a Dodgers game, he still looks like he could pitch a complete game!), he doesn't offer to sign much anymore and we can't recall the last time he attended a public signing.

As we always preach, try to acquire something different to set your collection apart from the standard autographs. In this case, Koufax has inscribed "4 No-Hit" below his signature on the sweet-spot. Of course, four no-hitters in a career is incredible (only Nolan Ryan has more), but the inscription itself adds real value and rarity to one of the most popular singles in the hobby! Authenticated by PSA.