This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 4/30/2009.
Mickey Charles Mantle arrived in the Bronx in 1951 and played alongside Joe DiMaggio that season. The following year, 1952, was Mickey’s first full year out of Joltin’ Joe’s shadow and was his time to shine. Mantle took over in centerfield and played the position from 1952 to 1966. In 1956, "The Mick" emerged as a superstar, becoming 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 also the first of three straight years that he would lead the league in runs scored, beginning with 132 in 1956. Mantle capped the year with three homers in the World Series, including one in Don Larsen's perfect game in which he also made a great defensive play to keep the perfect game intact. He played on 12 pennant winners, seven World Championship clubs and holds World Series records for home runs (18), RBIs (40), runs scored (42), walks (43), extra-base hits (26), and total bases (123). Mantle was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1974 in his first year of eligibility and his number “7” was retired by the Yankees. Inside the rear collar is the “Spalding & Bros” manufacturers tag. Attached is the size “44” tag. Below is a white felt strip tag with “M Mantle 52” embroidered in navy blue chain stitch. Inside the left front tail is a white tag with wash instructions. On the left breast is the interlocking “NY” logo embroidered in navy blue felt letters which has been professionally restored. On back is the Mick’s number “7” done in the same navy blue felt. On the left sleeve is the NY Yankees “1903-1952 50TH Year” embroidered patch which is very rare. Mickey has signed the left front tail in black marker which rates an 8-9 with slight foxing along the edges. The signature is vintage and quite large. The flannel jersey shows excellent game-use and except for the “NY” restoration, appears to have no other alterations of any kind. This magnificent shirt is the earliest known Mantle game-used pinstripe flannel jersey in the hobby. Accompanying this jersey is a 16” x 20” autographed photo of Mickey wearing this very shirt. Mantle signed the photo in bold blue marker inscribing “NO. 7” rating a near perfect 10. It is also accompanied by a LOA from JSA for the two signatures as well as a MEARS LOA. This shirt may be the most significant Mantle extant.