Excedingly tough "World Champions" ball. With the world at war and an uncertain future looming, twenty-eight of New York's finest kept the homefires burning and the winning Yankees tradition ablaze in the Bronx; a welcome shot of normalcy during the most oppressive period in modern American history. Without the services of DiMaggio, who was serving the greater good in the U.S. Army, they would close ranks around the arm of ace Spud Chandler (20-4), to revenge the previous year's World Series loss to the Cardinals in five games. For the well-tutored Yankee enthusiast, nearly all the names on this OAL (Harridge) ball are easily discernible, including Kenny Sears, whose signing dates this relic to 1943. Chandler and HOF manager Joe McCarthy command the sweet spot, plus HOF Bill Dickey, Johnny Murphy, Tommy Byrne, HOF Earle Combs, Art Fletcher, John Schultz and Hank Borowy, Marv Breuer, Oscar Grimes, Charlie (Butch) Wensloff, Bill Zuber, Jim Turner, Roy Weatherly, Bud Methany, Charlie Keller, Tuck Stainback, Frank Crossetti, Rollie Hemsley, Johnny Lindell, Snuffy Stirnweiss, Nick Etten, Joe Gordon (clubhouse), Billy Johnson, Marius Russo, and Tiny Bonham. Near-complete roster includes all stars, starters and coaches. Each vintage Yank is bold and clear with the exception of the east panel -its five signatures are very light, but still legible. This is an extremely tough ball in any condition and a rare opportunity to fill a gap missing in most vintage collections.

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