Yogi Berra 1958 Spalding Catcher's Mask Attributed to Game Use - John Taube/J.T. Sports LOA & Letter of Provenance

• Sold For: $0
• Year: 1958
• Auction: 2024 Fall
• Lot #: 4
• Auction Category: Featured

Throughout the history of Major League Baseball, few catchers have matched "Yogi" Berra in reliability and productivity. To say Berra's MLB resume is outstanding would be an understatement. Berra's 3 MVP awards, 18 All-Star Game selections, and 13 World Series championships attest to his greatness as both a player, and coach. Catch hold of a great piece of memorabilia, with this Berra game worn Spalding catcher's mask. An accompanying letter of provenance from the original longtime owner states this mask was given a to him by Berra, at a 1958 New York Yankees exhibition game in St. Petersburgh, when the proud recipient was 10 years old. As the elated youth aged, he kept this treasure safely in his possession for longer than most of us have been alive. Also accompanying is a certificate of authenticity which cites this Spalding model 1514 mask as having been made in 1955. The COA also notes an attached circa 1957 photo of Berra "wearing a mask that though not a photo match, is a confirmed model match". Berra's name is impressed into the surface of the leather head strap in block letters, and the same strap is also impressed with the model number. Excellent signs of authentic use/wear include paint erosion on the metal cage, and sweat staining on the face padding, which also has a 1" section of surface leather loss. The metal buckles all remain sturdy and serviceable, as do the moderately worn fastening straps, and all laces remain taut. COA from John Taube/J.T. Sports. Opening Bid $5,000.