This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/26/2022
This very early Mantle baseball photograph indicates that Mickey had earned his reputation for irresponsibility at a young age, as he is the only youngster that apparently forgot to wear his uniform for photo day in this original Type 1 panoramic photograph of the 1947 Baxter Springs Whiz Kids photograph that was later autographed by this baseball immortal. As such, he stands with the coaching staff in the back row. Even more remarkable, the photograph still bares visible signs of the signatures from some of his teammates signed at the time but now barely legible due to the age of the photograph. The sixteen-year-old star of the Champion Whiz Kids Ball Team surely owned one of these panoramic photos back in the day, as did his fellow teammates, but these clearly were never made for public consumption and this is the only surviving Type 1 Photograph of this image known that has been signed by Mickey Mantle, making this a one-of-a-kind collectible for any serious Mantle collector. Surface wear and age do not threaten the solidity of the piece, leaving it well within the bounds of attractive display. One year later, Mantle would be scouted while playing on the 1948 Whiz Kids by New York Yankees scout Tom Greenwade who would sign him to a Yankee minor league contract the following season after high school. This is one of the most historic photographs of Mickey Mantle extant taken at the very beginnings of his baseball career and most importantly certified as a Type 1 photograph by PSA/DNA is perhaps the earliest known Type 1 photograph of Mickey Mantle on a baseball team. Mantle has boldly signed “Best Wishes Mickey Mantle,” in blue sharpie pen. This is a remarkable opportunity to acquire such a museum quality piece of memorabilia. Measures 8 x 24. Comes with a PSA/DNA Letter of Authenticity, a James Spence Authentication (JSA) Letter of Authenticity and a Gotta Have Rock & Roll Certificate of Authenticity.
This lot has a Reserve Price that has not been met.