(LOT 249)
1961 OAL Joe Cronin Game-Used Baseball Signed by Tex Clevenger – Attributed to Mickey Mantle's #47 HR of the 1961 Season (8/30/61) PSA/DNA and Mears LOAs
This Tex Clevenger single-signed baseball is far from ordinary; it is attributed to Mickey Mantle's 47th home run from the iconic 1961 season, the year of the legendary home run race between Mantle and Roger Maris. That season, Maris broke Babe Ruth's single-season home run record with 61, while Mantle finished with 54. This baseball represents the 7th-to-last home run Mantle hit that year. The consignor notes, "This baseball was Mickey Mantle's 47th home run during the 1961 season. The game took place in Minnesota on 8/30/61 when the Yankees faced the Twins. Mantle hit the ball to the bullpen, and it was given to my grandfather, Lynn Townsend. The ball was caught and signed by Yankee reliever Tex Clevenger, who also inscribed, "Best Wishes, Mickey Mantle's 47th Home Run 8/30/61 Left Field BP MPLS." BP stands for Bullpen, and MPLS refers to the stadium."

The ball and signature have been verified by PSA, one of the leading certification companies. Accompanying the baseball is a Letter of Authenticity from MEARS Authentication Company, confirming that it is indeed the 47th home run Mantle hit off Jim Kaat in the 7th inning with no outs deep into left field. The MEARS LOA specifies it as an "Official American League Joe Cronin Baseball." Additionally, there is an LOA from PSA for the authenticity of Clevenger's signature and inscription, along with a copy of the newspaper article documenting Mantle's 47th home run. This is a remarkable piece of baseball history for any advanced Mickey Mantle collector! PSA/DNA and Mears LOAs

MIN BID $2,000
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