Derek Jeter 2001 World Series Game Used & Signed Bat | Game 1

During his storied 20-year career with the New York Yankees, shortstop Derek Jeter solidified himself as one of the greatest players in Yankees franchise history, becoming a 5-time World Series Champion, 5-time Gold Glove recipient, and a 14-time All-Star not to mention serving as the team captain.

Sotheby’s is proud to present this Louisville Slugger wooden baseball bat game used by Derek Jeter in Game 1 of the 2001 World Series, which pitted the three-time defending World champion New York Yankees against the Arizona Diamondbacks. 

In the 6th inning, Jeter stepped up to the plate for his third at-bat of the game against Diamondbacks starter Curt Schilling. An inside fastball on the second pitch jammed Jeter, who grounded out to first base and shattered his bat in the process. 

Jeter and the Yankees lost Games 1 and 2 in Arizona before battling back to take a 3-2 series lead. The Yankees, however, suffered a blowout loss in Game 6 before losing a dramatic Game 7 to see their streak of World Series titles come to an end. 

The game used bat has been photomatched by Resolution Photomatching to Game 1 of the World Series on October 27, 2001. Resolution also made a ‘Likely Photomatch’ to Game 4 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS) on October 21, 2001. A photomatch letter and graphics accompany the bat.

In addition, hologram stickers from PSA/DNA (E36837) and MEARS Authentic are affixed to the bat. A letter from James Spence Authentication regarding the signature is also included.

Offered with this lot is a shadow box display case for the bat. The display case is not pictured. 

Going Deeper | Derek Jeter

Born in 1974 in Pequannock, New Jersey and raised in Michigan, Jeter earned a full ride to play baseball at the University of Michigan. In 1992, the Yankees (Jeter’s favorite team) selected him as 6th overall pick of the MLB Draft to begin his much anticipated baseball career.

Jeter debuted in 1995, though after a series of injuries, he split time between Triple A and the majors. After earning the starting shortstop spot with the Yankees in 1996, Jeter would receive Rookie of the Year honors, batting .314 and leading the Yankees to their first World Series title in 18 years. Over the next 11 seasons the Yankees were a constant in the postseason, winning three consecutive World Series titles from 1998-2000. 

In 1998, Jeter made his first of 14 All-Star Games, and in 2004 won his first of five Gold Glove awards. Jeter won his 5th and final World Series in 2009.

Upon his retirement in 2014, Jeter ended his career with 3,465 hits, 1,923 runs and 4,921 total bases. In 2020, Jeter was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. 

Perhaps most importantly, Jeter is beloved in the city of New York, and throughout the game of baseball. He is one of the New York Yankees’ greatest legends, and one of the most important players to don the Yankees uniform.