Lot # 1757: Outstanding 1952 Mickey Mantle "Spring Training" PSA Type 1 Encapsulated Wide World Photo – Measures Approx. 7” x 9” (Incl. PSA Type I LOA)

Category: Photos

Starting Bid: $1,000.00

Bids: 13 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Fall Rarities Auction 2021",
which ran from 9/25/2021 12:00 PM to
10/9/2021 7:00 PM




(LOT 1757)
Outstanding 1952 Mickey Mantle "Spring Training" PSA Type 1 Encapsulated Wide World Photo Measures Approx. 7" x 9" (Incl. 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 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), Mickey regrouped to end the season in stellar fashion. The 20-year-old phenom 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 officially replaced his predecessor, Joe DiMaggio, in centerfield with the "Yankee Clipper" having retired after the 1951 campaign. Mantle's early 1950s 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 ballparks, 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 extraordinary 7' x 9" 1952 Mickey Mantle batting image residing as one of his most exalted images. The classic Mantle "crouching" pose portrays Mickey in his Yankee road-gray flannels, with the gleaming surface revealing the finest possible contrast and clarity as "The Mick" exhibits one of his typical good-natured smiles.

While there are several stray wrinkles/creases including a somewhat large diagonal crease situated in the upper left quadrant, none of these surface imperfections compromise the critical central image that literally brings Mantle's quintessential pose to life. The final "thumbs up" is the flip side's critical WIDE WORLD PHOTOS credit stamp, and it is certainly clear that this world-class image stands as one of "The Mick's" most celebrated illustrations from his early Yankees playing days. 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 embarking on 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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