Auction Item Details
Lot 668
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Lot Number: 668
Description: Significant 1961 Whitey Ford World Series Most Valuable Player award plaque. The 1961 American League regular season culminated with Roger Maris belting his 61st home run to eclipse the all-time single season mark held by Babe Ruth. Maris' season-long home run duel with Mickey Mantle captivated the country, and it was no surprise that fans looked to the M&M boys for yet more excitement in the 1961 World Series. The Yankees were to face the Cincinnati Reds, who had a fine overall team led by pitcher Joey Jay, who had compiled a 21 win campaign. Despite the presence of the Yankees sluggers, it was their ace pitcher, Whitey Ford, who dominated the Series. Ford appeared in two games, and did not allow a single run during 14 innings. In doing so, Ford also passed the mark set by Babe Ruth for consecutive scoreless innings in World Series play. Whitey was truly at the top of his game, and was presented with the Babe Ruth Award for the "Most Outstanding Player of the 1961 World Series". The award is also inscribed as having been presented to Ford by the New York Chapter of the Baseball Writers' Association in 1962. The black painted wooden plaque measures 14" tall retaining its original Dieges & Clust label on the reverse, and exhibiting a few minor surface scratches to its edges. Sterling silver placard remains affixed to the front with very light surface wear. The offered award plaque represents one of, if not the, most significant World Series Most Valuable Player award items to have entered the public market. Additionally, the plaque is dated to one of the more storied seasons in New York Yankees and Major League Baseball history, having originated from the personal collection of a central figure from the 1961 World Championship team. Includes letter of provenance from Whitey Ford: EX-EX/MT
Estimated Price: ($30,000.00-$40,000.00)
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