This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/21/2014
Derek Jeter's legacy has never been in question. From his 1996 charmed shot brought in by an extended 12-year old Jeffrey Maier over the right field wall, it was evident Jeter was destined for greatness. It's almost chilling, now eighteen years later, the Yankees fan base will have to say goodbye to one of the best players to ever wear the pinstripes. While "Mr. November" is best known for his clutch playoff performances over the Yankees five title runs, his regular season numbers are nothing to balk at either. Firmly slotted as sixth all time in hits, fourteen All-Star appearances & a career .310 average, it's safe to assume Jeter may be the first ever unanimous fist-ballot Hall-of-Famer in Major League Baseball history. One of Jeter's most historic events occurred on July 9th 2011 as Jeter would pelt a home run off of David Price to enter the prestigious circle of only 28 members, the 3000 hit club. During that day Major League Baseball would prepare four dozen baseballs, individually numbering the balls 1-48. With only a presumed six baseballs taking to the field that day, all of which from the first box pictured below, only one has made it's way into the public, J-1, while J-7 is in Derek Jeter's personal collection. This J-5 marked baseball is primed and ready as one of the lucky six selected and brought onto the field that historic day residing in the umpires ball bag as possibly the next to be plucked into play. With only four baseballs being put into field play that day, two of which remain unknown, this J-5 baseball maybe one of those that got away. As there's no way to definitively know, all the correct characteristics reside. Taking this ball to new heights is the bold blue ballpoint signature from the Capitan Derek Jeter across the sacred sweet spot. Easily one of the most historic modern baseball offerings we have had to date and would serve as a centerpiece to any Yankee or Jeter fan alike. Accompanied by an extensive grouping of authentication including full letters from both Major League Baseball & Steiner Sports describing the baseball & the historic day.