(LOT 189)
Mickey Mantle & Joe DiMaggio AUTOGRAPHED c.1950's Image - PSA Type 2 Encapsulated Wide World Photos Image – Measures Approx. 8" x 10" (Includes PSA Type 2 LOA)
Presented here is a breathtaking early 1950's image of Mickey Mantle and Joe DiMaggio, with this world-class offering signed in bold blue sharpie by both of these iconic New York Yankees. Deemed a Type 2 Photo by PSA, the accompanying LOA comments section clearly states the following: "This photograph is a later-issued 1980's restrike that was made from the original negative featuring an image taken circa 1950's. DiMaggio and Mantle – PSA/DNA Certified Autographs." Although it is a restrike, it was generated from the original negative, justifying why this 8" x 10" early 1950's image depicts the finest possible contrast and resolution as these two Yankee legends enjoy a leisurely moment together donning their classic "New York" road gray flannels. The striking signatures reflect approximate "9" (Mantle) and "7/8" (DiMaggio) sharpie strength, with the Yankee Clipper's autograph somewhat downgraded due to a lighter "J".

Who could have possibly imagined that when the immortal Joe DiMaggio was ready to "hang up his cleats after the 1951 season, an emerging young star with Goliath-like supernatural power would be ready to fill "Joltin Joe's" hallowed centerfield position. That Oklahoma-bred phenom was the legendary Mickey Mantle, and his majestic exploits on a baseball diamond including his incredible tape measure home runs will surely echo for eternity. No Hollywood screenplay could possibly match that magical 1951 New York Yankees championship year with one baseball icon "passing the baton" to another. The quiet leader of this virtually unbeatable ball club was still Joe DiMaggio, yet the "Yankee Clipper's" skills were slowly beginning to diminish due to a run of injuries over the past several years. Simultaneously, word was spreading like a wildfire of an almost "godly" like superstar from Commerce, Oklahoma named Mickey Charles Mantle, with DiMaggio dubbing Mantle the greatest prospect he ever laid eye on.

History was now in the making with both DiMaggio and Mantle playing the outfield together during that 1951 campaign that would eventually become "Joltin Joe's" farewell season. In typical fashion, the Yankees steamrolled to another World Championship, with DiMaggio exiting the game as the winner he was born to be, and Mantle claiming the first of his eventual seven World Series Titles. It is for all these reasons that collectors pursue capturing an imposing scripted image of Mantle and DiMaggio, with this obscure early 1950's image one of the most captivating signed photographs you will ever come across portraying these two Yankee immortals!

MIN BID $300
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