The Yankees dynasty and sustained period of excellence that lasted from the mid-1990's and over a decade into the next millennium was thanks in large part to the "Core Four." Jeter, Mo and Pettitte often receive the bulk of the credit, but it was Jorge Posada played arguably the most important role as their reliable game-caller behind the dish. At the plate, the Puerto Rican switch-hitter was as formidable as any catcher in baseball, finishing with 275 homers and 1065 RBI and batting .273 for his career spent entirely in pinstripes.

This offered Louisville Slugger M356 professional model bat hails from Posada's rookie season of 1997 (he had only 14 at-bats in '96). The flame-burned ash bat (34", 33 oz.) exhibits evidence of outstanding use with a handle crack that has been repaired. Numerous ball marks and ball stitch impressions are visible on the right, left and back barrel. Ball marks include blue ink transfers. Cleat marks can be seen on the back and front barrel. Also visible on barrel is an impression from a weighted batting donut. There is a heavy coat of pine tar on the handle and a single ring of tape has been applied on the lower handle above the knob. Appearing on the knob is Posada's player number (20) and the weight code of the bat (3) written in black marker. Posada's name is spelled incorrectly on the barrel stamping ("Pasado", which means "the past" in Spanish). The catcher has signed the upper barrel in black marker.

Includes LOA from John Taube of PSA/DNA graded GU 9.5 (cert. #1B17059). Autograph pre-certified by PSA/DNA.