(LOT 124)
1951 Bowman #253 Mickey Mantle Rookie SGC 4 VG-EX
TRUE MICK ROOKIE!!! Prior to Topps leading the charge in the distribution of baseball cards worldwide, there was Bowman. In 1951, two players joined the Major Leagues, with Willie Mays emerging as the New York Giants extraordinary five-tool rookie and Mickey Mantle, lauded as the next Joe DiMaggio, becoming the newest Bronx Bomber. Mays ran away with the NL Rookie of the Year honors, while The Mick struggled at times but finished his rookie campaign with 13 homers, 65 RBIs and a .267 campaign.

Mantle claimed three AL MVP awards, won the 1956 Triple Crown, earned 20 All-Star nods and won seven World Series titles during his 18-year career. Playing in 12 Fall Classics, Mickey Mantle also set the still-standing record for most World Series home runs with 18. Offered is Mickey Mantle's 1951 Bowman #253 rookie issue graded 4 VG-EX by SGC. Though his 1952 Topps #311 gets all of the press, this 1951 Bowman issue is considered by many to be his true rookie edition. The presented features a horizontal image against blue skies, displaying rich colors and moderate general edge and corner wear. Modest OC is evident top to bottom, but the image is unaffected and the surfaces remain reasonably clean, showing only light gum residue on the reverse. A rookie issue of New York's one-time superhero!

MIN BID $4,000
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