This phrase refers to a collectible item that embodies several elements of baseball history and memorabilia collecting. It centers on a baseball card featuring an artifact attributed to Lou Gehrig, specifically a piece of a bat he purportedly used during his playing career with the New York Yankees. The card is categorized as belonging to a set or series that recognizes legendary players associated with the Yankees franchise.
Such a collectible is highly valued due to the confluence of factors it represents. Lou Gehrig is an iconic figure in baseball history, both for his exceptional playing ability and the tragic circumstances surrounding his careers premature end. Game-used memorabilia carries a premium in the collecting world, representing a tangible connection to the athlete and the era in which they played. Combining these elements with the branding of the New York Yankees, a historically significant and popular team, creates a desirable and potentially valuable artifact.