This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/31/2005.
Mantle was a multi-talented offensive threat, driving in runs with enormous power from either side of the plate. He arrived in New York and played alongside the soon-to-retire Joe DiMaggio, and ended up with a respectable rookie season. When Joe retired Mantle took over in centerfield, and he played the position from 1952 to 1966. In 1956, "The Mick" emerged as a superstar, the greatest switch-hitter in the history of baseball and one of its biggest drawing cards. He hit .353 that year with 52 home runs and 130 RBI to win the Triple Crown. It was the first of three straight years that he led the league in runs scored (132). Mantle capped the year with three homers in the World Series, one in Don Larsen's perfect game, in which he also made a saving defensive play. Mantle the first power-hitting switch-hitter, and although always a better hitter from the right side, was capable enough from the left to hit 373 of his 536 career homers. When slugging outfielder Roger Maris joined the Yankees, he and Mickey became known as the "M & M Boys." Mantle played on 12 pennant winners and seven World Championship clubs, and holds World Series records for home runs (18), RBI (40), runs (42), walks (43), extra-base hits (26), and total bases (123). In his final World Series in 1964 he had three homers and eight RBIs and batted .333. Mantle was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1974 in his first year of eligibility. This jersey has been in a private collection since 1981. On the inside back of the collar is the "Spalding" manufacturers tag. Adjacent to that is an additional tag with the jersey size "44" on it. On the front left tail of the jersey is "Mantle 55 -7" embroidered directly on the jersey. On the inside left front tail is the wash instructions tag with a "SET 1 1955" flag tag attached. On the left breast is the "NY" logo. On the back is the player number "7." All lettering and numbering is done in blue felt. There is an autograph in blue maker rating an 9 on the front of the jersey. The jersey shows game use. The player number "7" on the back has been professionally restored. Aside from the number restoration, there appears to be no alterations of any kind. Accompanied by a LOA from James Spence Authentication.