Derek Jeter’s “Mr. November” Home Run Ball Up for⁣ Auction

Updated june 06, 2025

Neil Dunleavy, who caught ⁢Derek Jeter’s iconic “mr. November” home run ball in Game 4 of⁢ the 2001 World Series, is selling the prized baseball. For nearly 25 years, the ball resided ⁣in⁢ a case⁣ in his closet. Now, it’s hitting the‍ auction block.

Dunleavy, whose father and brothers also worked at⁣ Yankee Stadium, was a college student at Georgetown when he attended ⁢the ⁢game on Oct. 31,2001. He skipped an organic chemistry test to be ⁣there, selling programs and soaking in the atmosphere less than two months after the Sept. 11 attacks.

With the Arizona Diamondbacks leading the series, Jeter stepped up to the plate in the 10th inning. His home run secured a Yankees⁢ victory, and Dunleavy snagged the ball amidst the ensuing celebration.

Dunleavy recalls ⁣the chaotic scene after Jeter’s home run. “It came right to me,” said Jimmy Brunn,another⁢ fan who tried to grab the ball. “My fingers were on it.And‍ he pulled it away. There were about 50 people on top of us.”

Initially, Dunleavy planned to give the ball to Jeter as a thank⁤ you for the many⁣ memorable moments he provided Yankees fans.He handed it to a batboy with the hope of meeting Jeter. The batboy ⁢returned with the ball, signed by Jeter ‍with the date.

Over the years, the story of the‍ “Mr. November” ball became a staple in Dunleavy’s life. Now an orthopedic surgeon, he decided to auction the ball, with bidding already⁤ exceeding $110,000.⁤ He intends to donate a portion ⁢of the proceeds to Jeter’s Turn 2 Foundation.

“I’m selling the ball,” Dunleavy said. “I’m not selling the story.”

Dunleavy remembers asking a security guard, just before Jeter’s at-bat, “Wouldn’t it be awesome ⁣if he⁢ hit a home run right to us now?”

The⁣ 2001 World Series, played shortly after 9/11, held special significance for New York and the nation.Dunleavy hopes Jeter understands the impact of that moment on his life. He even credits the story of catching the ball with helping him connect with his wife.

“Please tell him I told this story to my wife and we are celebrating 17 years of marriage next week,” he said.”That changed my life, you know?”

what’s next

The auction for the⁤ Derek Jeter “Mr.⁤ November” home run ball concludes june 14. The final sale price is expected to be substantial, with a portion benefiting⁣ Jeter’s charitable foundation.