This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/14/2022
Back in 1994 Derek Jeter was just another minor league hopeful – all be it one who was ranked the 16th-best prospect in baseball. Still, the Tampa Yankees were a long way away from the Bronx. The 20-year-old Yankee legend in the making used this bat during his 1994 season in Florida State League in which he hit .329 in 69 games. Before the season was out Jeter was advanced to the AA Albany Colonie Yankees and finally the AAA Columbus Clippers.
The Hall of Fame shortstop Jeter wore this Columbus Clippers batting practice jersey in 1994, his first of two seasons with the Yankees AAA affiliate. Jeter, splitting time with Tampa, Columbus, and Albany-Colonie in 1994 hit .344 with five homers and 68 RBI in 138 games across all levels.
This size L navy pullover mesh jersey was manufactured by Betlin Mfg. Co of Columbus, Ohio, whose tag is sewn on the inside back collar, with an additional tag sewn on the bottom front left tail. The front of his jersey has the Columbus Clippers logo patch sewn on the upper left chest. The collar and sleeve ends have navy and white stripes. Both sleeves have remnants of patches that have since been removed. The back of this jersey has Jeter’s original number with the team “24”, which is sewn on in white tackle twill. There are remnants of a different number behind the “24”. This jersey has been worn and washed several times as evidence by the team wordmark and back numbers showing puckering from wash and use. A wonderful opportunity to own a very rare early career Derek Jeter batting practice jersey tied to his minor league days. This comes with a LOA from Sports Investors Authentication (200616C5) for the use.