(LOT 127)
1952 Bowman #101 Mickey Mantle PSA 8 NM-MT
At 16 years old in 1948, Mickey Mantle, playing for the Baxter Springs Whiz Kids, a semi-pro team in Kansas, stunned visiting New York Yankees scout Tom Greenwade, who was there scouting the team's third baseman, Billy Johnson. (We were unable to determine any indication that Billy Johnson ever played professionally.) Mickey blasted two monstrous home runs in the game, one from each side of the plate, prompting Greenwade to make the boy an offer to play for the New York Yankees. However, considering he was only 16, he would have to wait until his high school graduation before he could sign a professional contract with the Bombers. But, true to his word, Greenwade returned in 1949 and signed the Commerce Comet to a contract that paid the boy $400 a month for the season, with a $1,100 signing bonus. Can you imagine landing a player with Mantle's talent for under $10,000 for a season? A single player's equipment in the modern era approaches his first-year salary!

Despite a hiccup here and there and injuries that plagued him throughout his Major League career, Mickey Mantle put together one of the greatest 18-year careers in history and was an American hero to millions of adoring fans. Not only did he wow New York Yankees fans, but he captivated the country with his tape-measure blasts totaling 536 over 18 seasons, not to mention a still-standing record 18 home runs in World Series play. He was a three-time American League Most Valuable Player including in 1956 when he won the elusive Triple Crown. He also led the Yankees to twelve AL flags and seven World Series titles. Offered here is a phenomenal 1952 Bowman #101 Mickey Mantle holdered 8 NM-MT from PSA. This superb example presents incredible centering and only a touch of tilt, razor-sharp corners and borders, and super clean surfaces. A light, yet unobtrusive, print line can be seen beneath The Mick's chin possibly invoking the lesser assessment. However, finding a NM-MT Mickey Mantle from the coveted 1952 Bowman series, or any other series for that matter, is truly an awe-inspiring moment as there are very few that surpass this issue that would elevate even the finest of collections!

MIN BID $7,500
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