(LOT 1742)
c.1958-60 Yogi Berra Spalding Game Model 1514 Catcher's Mask –JT Sports LOA for BERRA "MODEL" Mask
Along with Johnny Bench, the legendary Yogi Berra is arguably considered one of our National Pastime's two greatest all-time catchers. Highly noted for his clutch performances on baseball's grandest stages, Berra's World Series records include: 14 appearances, ten championships, 75 games played in and 71 all-time hits. If that isn't enough, he won three MVP awards and played in a remarkable 15 all-star games. All of the above are a steadfast testament to Berra's iconic legacy, with one of his seldom surfacing keepsakes being this outstanding c.1958-60 Spalding 1514 model catcher's mitt that the prestigious John Taube (PSA "Game-Used" expert) has classified as being "game worn" in the accompanying John Taube/J.T. Sports LOA. At the start of the mid-1950s, Berra began to specifically utilize "Spalding" cast-iron masks, previously utilizing both Spalding and Draper & Maynard modeled masks.

As stated in Taube's LOA (cert# 1457), this classic offering is a Spalding model 1514 mask worn game worn by Berra during the late 1950s. To quote Taube: "the magnesium frame displays excellent use and the surface of the padded leather face guard shows moderate staining from perspiration. The spandex and leather head strap is buckled fastened to the frame." We have also enclosed a photograph of Berra c.1957 wearing a mask that while not a photo match (See photo), is a confirmed model match (also mentioned in Taube's LOA). Also noted is that "The Berra Model was a popular catcher's mask that was available to the major and minor leagues as well as the retail market." Based on the aforementioned information, we find it extremely plausible that Berra used this authentic mask in a late 1950s MLB game, with its obvious game use attributes and Taube's ironclad LOA combining to substantiate that possibility. Seldom surfacing in the hobby, Yogi Berra "game worn" masks are virtually impossible to find, justifying why this awe-inspiring heirloom resides as one of the most coveted Berra collectibles on the planet! SEE ATTACHED PHOTO, which is included in this lot.
MIN BID $750
__