Derek Jeter’s career is filled with iconic and clutch moments — but few compare to his walk-off home run in Game 4 of the 2001 World Series.
The game began Oct. 31, but as the Yankees and Diamondbacks battled into extra innings, the clock struck midnight, making it the first World Series played in the month of November.
Jeter came to the plate in the bottom of the 10th with two outs.
The Yankees shortstop battled through a nine-pitch at-bat and launched an opposite-field home-run, sealing a win for New York that even the series at two games apiece.
As Jeter rounded the bases with his fist in the air, the camera landed on a fan holding up a white sign on which he had hastily scribbled, “MR. NOVEMBER.”
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Standing behind the right-field fence that night was a Yankee Stadium vendor selling $10 World Series programs.
The ball ended up right at his feet.
“It was then that I made one of the best decisions of my life: I discarded the remaining wad of money from my left hand and used its freedom to drag my right arm and the ball under my chest, where no one could reach it,” said the vendor in a letter of authenticity.
“Breathless, in pain, but content with my ball secured, I waited and listened to the deafening sound of 55,863 fans. Finally, the weight on top of me diminished, and soon I was helped to my feet by four or five NYPD officers and security guards.”
The vendor never recovered the cash, but he came away with something much more valuable: One of the most significant home-run balls of the 21st century.
The ball will be auctioned at Goldin as part of its Goldin 100 with a starting bid of $250,000 ($305,000 including buyer’s premium).
Will Stern is a reporter and editor for cllct, the premier company for collectible culture.