This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 4/30/2009.
This piece is extremely unique and the story that goes along with it is priceless. Our consignor told us that he was the drummer in the house band at the Banana Boat Lounge in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida back in 1977. His girlfriend, Mary Ann, was a waitress there. One night during Spring Training that year, Mickey Mantle and “friends” came in for a few cocktails. Mickey signed this very bar check and inscribed, “To Mary Ann Our Best Fuckin Wishes Mickey Mantle” in blue ink which rates a strong 9. Mickey’s pal, Yogi Berra has also added his John Hancock in blue ink rating an 8. This is where the piece gets interesting. Our consignor told us that Billy Martin, Whitey Ford and Bob Lemon were also with Mickey and Yogi. Billy Martin, instead of signing his own name, jokingly signed “Jackie Robinson” and Bob Lemon, following Billy’s lead, signed “Bob Ruth.” Both “signatures” are done in blue ink and rate an 8-9. Our consignor went on to tell us that Whitey refused to sign it! The bar check itself shows creasing throughout including one down the middle from apparently being folded in half. There is also discoloration which appears to be from liquid, perhaps from number 7’s seven and seven? Accompanied by a LOA from JSA and is in overall VG-EX condition.