The family of Hall of Fame catcher Yogi Berra, and Yankees perfect game pitcher Don Larsen will sell pieces of their personal baseball memorabilia collections in an online auction that opened Tuesday and continues through October 23.
Among the 2,500 items up for auction are Berra’s 1953 World Series championship ring, which was the only one of his 10 title rings that the legend actually wore after winning five straight Fall Classics from 1949 through 1953; as well as both his National Baseball Hall of Fame ring and plaque which were presented upon his induction in 1972, numerous Yankee player contracts and awards and a 1961 game-used, home pinstripe #8 jersey.
The Berra collection also includes a bevy of photographs, his driver’s license, credit cards, signed checks, signed contracts, signed baseball cards and other personal documents.
Larsen, 87, has consigned his “Babe Ruth Award,” which was presented to the hurler as the 1956 World Series Most Valuable Player.
In 2012, Steiner sold Larsen’s 1956 perfect game-worn jersey for $756,000.
Berra’s sons Larry, Tim and Dale Berra say they are offering the items to the public “because they are responsible for his legacy.”
The Berra family signed a licensing and memorabilia deal with Steiner earlier this year.
“His ’53 championship ring is a real collector’s item because it has a diamond ‘Five’ on it,” said Dale Berra. “It was given to the few players like dad and Phil Rizzuto who had won five World Series in a row. That’s a very special piece.”
Many of the Larsen pieces are connected to his 1956 World Series perfect game, including a 1956 letter from President Dwight D. Eisenhower, and 2006 letters from Governor George Pataki and Mayor Rudy Giuliani of in celebration of the game’s 50th anniversary.
The auction is open through October 23.
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