(LOT 344)
1951 Bowman #253 Mickey Mantle Rookie PSA 1 PR
ONLY 19 YEARS OLD!!! 1951 marked Mickey Mantle's first "full" season in the Major Leagues as he played the Yankees outfield alongside retiring future Hall of Famer Joe DiMaggio. Groomed as a young boy to be a ballplayer, Mantle possessed skills that few had ever seen to which manager Casey Stengel proclaimed "He has more speed than any slugger I've ever seen, and more slug than any other speedster - and nobody has ever had more of both of 'em together." And after a mid-season slump that nearly caused the only 19-year Mickey to quit the game, Mantle rebounded and hit .284 with six home runs in 18 games to end his rookie year.

Mantle would proceed to lead the New York Yankees to seven World Series titles while setting a record for most home runs in World Series play (18). He also three American League MVP Awards, including one in 1956 when he captured the elusive Triple Crown, won a Gold Glove and earned 20 All-Star nods during his 18-year career. Thankfully, Mickey didn't hang up his cleats in '51. Offered here is a 1951 Bowman #253 Mickey Mantle rookie card graded 1 PR by PSA. This card stands as the cornerstone of the heralded '51 Bowman issue, not matter the condition, and, with all due respect to the 1952 Topps #311 example, remains his rightful Rookie release. Mickey Mantle's skills and specifically his seemingly unnatural power left an indelible mark on the game of baseball securing his Hall of Fame status with 536 career home runs. This 71-year-old Rookie of the great "Commerce Comet" was treasured by every boy who witnesses his talent first-hand and would serve as an exceptional foundation around which collectors could build the coveted 1951 Bowman set.

MIN BID $3,500