Auction Item Details
Lot 200
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Lot Number: 200
Description: Rare professional model baseball glove attributed to Joe DiMaggio c.1943. During WWII, DiMaggio was stationed in Santa Ana, CA as a Physical Education instructor. Captain Robert S. Decker coached the Santa Ana army air corps baseball team, for which Joe DiMaggio played during his time in the service. Towards the end of the war, just before leaving the base, DiMaggio presented Capt. Decker with the glove he had used while playing in the army. This Wilson RHT model glove retains the majority of its original stampings (although some are faint) and its original Wilson metal button on the backstrap. The glove exhibits heavy usage including interior surface wear, surface flaking to the interior of the back padding, and is missing its top piece of webbing. The backstrap has a period ink notation listing Robert Decker and his address. Based on the heavy usage, and the fact that DiMaggio was first stationed at Santa Ana during his 31 month military service, it is very probable DiMaggio not only used the glove in the service, but also with the New York Yankees prior to entering the military. Included with the glove is a cache of correspondence from Robert Decker's daughter, Duane, to Joe DiMaggio in 1982. Ms. Decker initially contacted Joe to ask if he would sign the glove. Several letters were sent by Marie DiMaggio (Joe's sister), who commented in one that Joe "knew your Dad real well". Eventually, it was decided that Joe would sign the glove, which is autographed on the interior, "To Duane Best Wishes Joe DiMaggio" in blue sharpie. Signature remains quite strong rating 8 out of 10. Documented game used baseball gloves from Hall of Fame players are exceedingly rare with the offered example ranking among the finest of its type to enter the marketplace. Includes letter of provenance from Duane Decker, LOA from James Spence Authentication (signature), and various copies of the supporting paperwork including a photo of DiMaggio with Decker (in uniform) at Santa Ana and copies of the correspondence from Marie DiMaggio and Duane Decker: EX
Estimated Price: ($15,000.00-$20,000.00)
