This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/10/2004.
Mickey Mantle was a star from the start, parlaying a talent for the game and boyish good looks into iconic status. A shortstop in the minor leagues, Mantle replaced the great Joe DiMaggio in center field when he arrived in New York in 1951. "The Mick" was a switch-hitting star who featured a devastating combination of power and speed. In spite of a series of devastating injuries, Mantle accumulated a long list of impressive accomplishments, finishing his 18-year career with 536 home runs and a .298 batting average. Also known as the "Commerce Comet", Mantle won three MVP awards and captured the Triple Crown in 1956. He contributed to 12 pennants and seven World Series titles in his first 14 seasons while establishing numerous World Series records, including most career home runs (18). Mantle announced his retirement at spring training on March 1, 1969. On June 8, 1969 his uniform No. 7 was retired during a Mickey Mantle Day celebration at Yankee Stadium. Mantle received a ten-minute standing ovation. Mickey Mantle was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame on January 16, 1974. It was his first year eligibility for this honor. He died on August 13, 1995 and is buried at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Dallas, Texas. We are very proud to offer this 1954 NY Yankee game-used and autographed road flannel jersey. The jersey is all original and includes a white "Mantle M" name in the collar, below which Mantle has signed the jersey in blue sharpie. The autograph grades a 9+. "NEW YORK" is situated across the chest in individual blue felt letters and Mantle's player number "7" appears in the same manner on the reverse. There is a "Wilson" label adjacent to the size "44" tag on the left front tail. Directly below, "1954" is stitched in blue and pink stitching. The jersey exhibits excellent game use, including general fading, dirt marks and some common glue stains on the reverse. This is one of the earliest known Mantle jerseys extant! The autograph comes with a letter from PSA/DNA. This jersey comes with an additional letter of authenticity.