The 1981 World Series was, at the time, the greatest achievement in Dodgers history. After losing the crown to the Yankees in 1977 and 1978, the Dodgers, led by skipper Tommy Lasorda, were on a mission to finally beat the Yankees and earn a ring.
At first, it looked like the Yankees were once again going to dominate the Boys in Blue. The Yankees jumped out to an early 2-0 series lead, sweeping the Dodgers in the first two games at Yankees Stadium. But despite the grim outlook, the Dodgers prevailed and mounted what became a historic comeback, winning the first two games at Dodger Stadium and evening up the series at 2-2. It all came down to a pivotal game 5.
Desperately needing a win to stop the Dodgers' momentum in this series, the Yankees trotted out their ace, Ron Guidry. Guidry was as sharp as ever through six innings, holding the Dodgers to two singles. Reggie Jackson, continuing his torrid hitting, helped provide Guidry a lead by doubling to left in the second off Jerry Reuss, moving to third on a Davey Lopes error, and scoring on an Lou Piniella groundout. That appeared to be all Guidry would need.
But, in the seventh, after fanning Dusty Baker, Guidry surrendered a solo homer to Pedro Guerrero, tying the game at 1-1. Next to bat was Steve Yeager, and Yeager's at-bat is arguably the most important at-bat of the entire series. Wasting no time, Yeager swung at Guidry's first pitch, making solid contact and sending yet another ball into the bleachers for a home run. It was Yeager's 2nd critical home run of the Series, and proved to be the decisive run as the Dodgers pulled out a 2-1 victory. The team took a commanding 3-2 lead in the series, and just a few days later became World Champions with a decisive 9-2 victory at Yankee Stadium.
Offered here within this choice lot is the Adirondack Steve Yeager pro model bat used by Yeager to hit the historic Game 5 home run. The bat itself, measuring 34.5" and weighing 33.6 ounces, exhibits superb game usage and all the necessary identifiers for Yeager's game bats, including Yeager's number "7" penned at both the knob and the top of the barrel. Numerous impact markings are present along with a coat of light pine tar. The bat features a small crack at the handle and exhibits exceptional use.
Acquired directly from a Dodger bat boy in the winter of 1981, the bat was taken to Yeager at a later date and presented to him for examination. Upon examining the bat and confirming it's origin, Yeager added a beautiful blue felt tip marker signature and inscription along the barrel that reads, "#2 '81 W.S. HR, Steve Yeager."
In a private collection for the past 30 years, this is the first time this bat has been ever offered to the public and is accompanied by a detailed letter from the owner outlining the provenance. Additionally, the bat has been examined by John Taube of PSA/DNA and is accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity from PSA/DNA.