The 1961 New York Yankees season was one for the ages. Displayed is a valued team-signed Official American League Ball (Cronin) from the 1961 World Champions. In '61, Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle went neck-and-neck in an historic chase of Babe Ruth's single-season home run record of 61. With Mantle missing late season games because of a hip abscess, Maris continued his chase of the Bambino, and the young Yankee right fielder passed Ruth on the final day of the season, at Yankee Stadium, with a blast to right off Tracy Stallard of the Red Sox. Managed by Ralph Houk, the '61 Yankees won the pennant with a record of 109-53-1. The team was loaded with home run hitters: Maris (61), Mantle (54), Skowron (28), Berra (21), Howard (21), and Johnny Blanchard (21) were the main power hitters. As for pitching, Whitey Ford went 25-4 and reliever Luis Arroyo was 15-5. There are 23 Yankee signatures on the ball, with Yogi Berra and Mickey Mantle sharing the sweet spot. Notable signatures include Hall of Fame inductees Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, Lefty Gomez (not officially on the roster), and Whitey Ford. Also, signatures of note include Roger Maris, Elston Howard, Wally Moses (coach), Bobby Richardson, Jim Hegan, Luis Arroyo, Bill Stafford, Bob Turley, Bob Cerv, and Tony Kubek. Most of the signatures are written in blue ballpoint pen. The signatures average about 7.5/10. The ball exhibits darkening because of the passage of years, and there are a few faint smudges. The machine stamped "Official Ball American League Joseph Cronin Pres." has faded but is still legible. The signed ball comes with a PSA/DNA LOA.