(LOT 120)
c.1952 Mickey Mantle PSA Type 1 Encapsulated William Jacobellis Photo – Measures Approx. 4" x 5" - PSA Type I LOA
The 1951 season would see the highly anticipated emergence of Mickey Charles Mantle, with the baseball community anxiously awaiting to see what this phenom from Commerce, Oklahoma could accomplish on an MLB playing field. This highly touted rookie with supernatural-like power could hit a baseball further than virtually any of his peers, and while he struggled through some rough spots in his inaugural campaign (including being sent down to AAA during a horrific slump), he re-grouped to end the season in stellar fashion. Mickey would "break-out" in the 1952 season to record batting figures that were a sure sign of things to come. The "Commerce Comet" would blast 23 round-trippers and post a superb .311 batting average while also compiling an outstanding .924 OPS.

Indeed, this Goliath-like slugger had now etched a secure niche in the hearts of Yankee fans. Their new valiant hero had now officially replaced his predecessor, Joe DiMaggio, in centerfield with the Yankee Clipper having retired after the 1951 campaign. Mantle's early 1950's collectibles are among the most coveted keepsakes for this iconic Hall of Famer who would eventually end his career with 536 home runs and a staggering twelve A.L. pennants and seven world championships! Many of Mantle's dingers tested the furthest confines of any ballpark, with at least ten of his long balls officially recorded as 500+ ft. tape measure blasts. Among his highly sought-after collectibles are his 1951 Bowman and 1952 Topps cardboard issues since they mark the beginning of Mantle's illustrious career.

Since the booming photo market is currently realizing soaring pricing points, enthusiast now seek some of baseball's greatest stars on PSA Type 1 illustrations, with this outstanding c.1952 William Jacobellis Mickey Mantle batting image residing as one of Mantle's most exalted images. It is no secret among advanced photo enthusiasts the prestige associated with any "Jacobellis" photo with some of his revered contact proofs previously selling for record prices including "rookie era" images for Mantle, Mays and Namath. Jacobellis couldn't have selected a more appropriate pose than this classic Mantle batting image that portrays Mickey in his exalted Yankee pinstripes, strongly supported by the Yankee Stadium grandstands and façade serving as the perfect backdrop for this timeless pose.

As is the case with virtually all Jacobellis photos, the contrast and crystal-clear clarity are virtually perfect, and you can literally feel Mantle's unparalleled intensity as he eagerly awaits to swing his colossal lumber. No notable surface flaws are evident, and the lower edge reveals the following white text: "BB-100-2; M. MANTLE." The final exclamation point is the verso's critical "WILLIAM N. JACOBELLIS" credit stamps as well as a negligible "Mickey Mantle" scripted notation. A truly momentous 1952 Mantle heirloom, it conjures up vivid memories of how this rookie sensation replaced the legendary "Joltin Joe" in centerfield for the 1952 season, ultimately moving on to a spectacular 18-year career in the "Big Apple" that would rightfully earn him bragging rights as one of baseball's undisputed all-time icons!

MIN BID $1,000
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