1950–1954 Yankees Yearbooks
1950 Yankees Yearbook
Notable: First Yankees yearbook, then called a “Sketch Book”. Two-page bio of Joe DiMaggio, including a list of his 56-game hitting streak. One-page poem about Babe Ruth, “Remembered Thunder.” Two-page remembrance of Lou Gehrig. Classic Chesterfield cigarette advertisement featuring Joe DiMaggio smoking.
Simplest way to identify edition: Only one known edition in 1950.
Internet Archive Link: 1950 Yankees Yearbook
1951 Yankees Yearbook ~ 1st edition
Notable: This is Joe DiMaggio’s last season.
Simplest way to identify edition: Bill Johnson picture appears on page 16. The back cover is blank, where a Big League Books advertisement appears on the back cover of the 2nd & 3rd editions. click here to see example pages
1951 Yankees Yearbook ~ 2nd edition
Notable: Mickey Mantle’s debut in a yearbook (Mantle is not in the 1st edition).
Simplest way to identify edition: Mickey Mantle picture appears on page 16 replacing Bill Johnson’s picture. Bill Johnson’s facsimile signature was left on Mantle’s bio in error. Big League Books advertisement on the back cover. click here to see example pages
1951 Yankees Yearbook ~ 3rd edition
Notable: Joe DiMaggio & Mickey Mantle appear in the same yearbook (Mantle is not in the 1st edition).
Simplest way to identify edition: Mickey Mantle picture appears on page 16 replacing Bill Johnson’s picture. Bill Johnson’s facsimile signature was removed. Big League Books advertisement on the back cover. click here to see example pages
1952 Yankees Yearbook
Notable: Featured players include Yogi Berra (1951 MVP) and Phil Rizzuto (Outstanding Player of the October Classic).
Simplest way to identify edition: Only one known edition in 1952, published by Jay Publishing (Big League Books).
1953 Yankees Yearbook
Notable: “Down on the Farm” (an in-depth look at the Yankees minor league system, later changed to “On the Way Up”) is introduced and becomes a staple in their yearbooks.
Simplest way to identify edition: Only one known edition in 1953, published by Jay Publishing (Big League Books).
Internet Archive Link: 1953 Yankees Yearbook
1954 Yankees Yearbook
Notable: Pays tribute to former Yankees inducted into Cooperstown shrine with a display of Hall of Fame plaques honoring Lou Gehrig, Babe Ruth, Herb Pennock, Jack Chesbro, Willie Keeler, Clark Griffith, Ed Barrow & Bill Dickey
Simplest way to identify edition: Only one known edition in 1954, published by Jay Publishing (Big League Books).
Internet Archive Link: 1954 Yankees Yearbook