(LOT 248)
1949 Mickey Mantle High School Yearbook with Original Yearbook Class Photo, Matching Negative and 1949 Commencement Program
Mickey Mantle's legendary sports career began not on the diamond at Yankee Stadium but on the athletic fields of Commerce High School in Commerce, Oklahoma. Nicknamed "The Commerce Comet" for his incredible speed, Mantle emerged as one of the school's greatest athletes, lettering in football, basketball, and baseball during his senior year. This is the Commerce High School yearbook from Mantle's senior year, 1949, titled "1949 - Bengal Tales." The leather-covered book features several images of Mantle beyond his standard high school photo. He is included in the football and basketball team photos, as well as group shots of the yearbook staff, the pre-engineers club, the school play cast, and the school newspaper staff. A separate portrait of Mantle is showcased on the newspaper page, noting his role as "Assistant Editor." The caption next to his yearbook photo reads: "They're great pals, he and his baseball jacket," a bond that would remain strong after he signed with the Yankees immediately following graduation and was sent to Independence, Missouri, in the K-O-M League.

What makes this yearbook particularly special is its near-pristine condition; there are no signatures or farewell messages, suggesting it likely originated from an underclassman or faculty member. The covers show only moderate wear, while the interior pages are clean and bright. Celebrity high school yearbooks have gained popularity among collectors, and Mantle's Commerce High yearbook is among the most sought after by sports fans. Included with this yearbook is the original negative of Mantle's class photo, along with the original print housed in a beautiful keepsake portfolio labeled "SR PORTRAIT FROM ORIG. NEG." Accompanying the negative is the original envelope and a note in ballpoint pen reading, "Mantle 6 - 3" x 5" Commerce High," along with a pencil note below stating, "1 - 5" x 7" glossy, Robert Polaski, 370 Nott Street, Wethersfield, Connecticut 06109." Additionally, you'll receive an original copy of the 1949 High School Commencement Program. This collection presents a remarkable glimpse into The Mick's early days in Commerce, Oklahoma — truly a near-pristine set of relics from an iconic career.

MIN BID $500
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