(LOT 1338)
c.1960's Mantle & Maris Snapshot Type 1 Photo - Measures Approx. 4" x 6" - PSA Type 1 Encapsulation
Incredible as it may seem, the New York Yankees have arguably boasted the most formidable dynamic batting duos throughout their storied history. First it was Ruth and Gehrig; then came DiMaggio and Gehrig; and roughly 9 years after DiMaggio retired, the torch was passed to Mantle and Maris. For their overmatched foes, it appeared as if New York's superstar-like "one-two" batting punches would seemingly never end. From 1960 thru 1963 the "M&M" boys would capture 3 consecutive A.L. MVP's while leading the Yanks to 3 pennants and 2 World Championships.
More impressive than that accomplishment, however, was the 1961 campaign that saw these two remarkable power hitters slug it out through the entire summer in a back and forth quest to break Babe Ruth's hallowed single season 60-homer mark. Maris finally eclipsed Ruth's mark when on the last day of the regular season, he blasted Red Sox hurler Tracy Stallard's fastball into Yankee Stadium's lower deck for homer#61! It was not only the 61st homer that enthralled baseball enthusiasts but the iconic "chase" of Ruth's magical 60 mark. The Spring and Summer of 1961 saw both the immortal Mickey Mantle and star right-fielder Maris relentlessly chasing Ruth's record until Mantle had to "bow out" of the race in September due to an injury that placed him on the disabled list for the remainder of the month.
Since that legendary 1961 season when these two baseball giants captivated an adoring Nation, collectors actively pursue any artifacts representing these two renowned figures. This superb PSA Type 1 snapshot photo of the "M&M" boys signing autographs for their ardent admirers prior to game time surely resides as one of those coveted keepsakes. The mildly colored 4" x 6" image reveals near-perfect centering and no serious flaws, with only a modest scratch/nick situated near Mantle's right elbow. A fine memento from that momentous era, it captures these two Yankee greats that turned the baseball world upside down throughout the 1961 baseball campaign!
MIN BID $200
_