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Lot Number: 965
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Lot 965
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| Description: Historic Joe DiMaggio record breaking hit #45 baseball from the 56 game hit streak. In 1961, Sports Illustrated writer Dave Anderson wrote the following passage regarding 1941 and DiMaggio's streak, "For the fans there was no escape from the magnetic force that drew them to their radios to hear the news announcer report the grim but still dreamlike news of the war in Europe and then, at some point in the program, add, 'and Joe DiMaggio got his hit today to extend'....". The 1941 baseball season was one of the finest in Major League history, featuring Ted WilliamsÆ walk off home run during the All-Star game, Williams' .406 batting average, the Yankees/Dodgers World Series, and Joe DiMaggio's immortal 56 game hit streak. From May 15th to July 17th, 1941 the nation was captivated by Joe DiMaggioÆs exploits in the battersÆ box. During the streak, he passed the modern mark established by George Sisler at 41 games and then broke the all time record of 44 games by Willie Keeler. On July 2, 1941 the Yankees were playing the Red Sox at Yankee Stadium. Just one day earlier Joe DiMaggio had tied Keeler's all time mark of 44 games in a row with a base hit. His first two at bats on July 2nd produced two outs. During his third at bat with the count at two balls and no strikes, DiMaggio laced a fastball from pitcher Dick Newsome into the left field seats to set the new all-time record of 45 straight games with a base hit.
The ball itself is a Harridge American League baseball with evident use including a small grass stain near the sweet spot and a 2" abrasion on the sweet spot. Inscribed in period ink on the side panel is, "Hit-No. 45 Sam J. Strumolo 1464 71st Brooklyn, NY -7-2-41-". Based on period information, it appears that Strumolo had retrieved the record breaking baseball at the game and then later returned it to DiMaggio. DiMaggio seemingly had everyone in his corner during these amazing weeks in 1941. Interestingly, these incidents occurred on the heels of DiMaggio's bat being stolen just a few days earlier. When the bat was found, which DiMaggio had used to break SislerÆs record, he auctioned it for the War drive bringing in just over $1,600.00. The offered baseball represents one of the most highly regarded records in sports history. Little did DiMaggio know that he would continue for another two weeks finally ending the streak at 56 games. The lot includes (2) vintage photographs from the DiMaggio collection relating to the 45th hit including a view of Joe crossing home plate after rounding the bases. One of the most significant event baseballs to have entered the marketplace. Includes LOA from James Spence Authentication relating to the dating of the ink: EX |
| Estimated Price: ($50,000.00-$75,000.00) |
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