Spring 2019 Premium Auction Closing May 11
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/12/2019
In 1961, the only story that mattered in baseball was Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris’ dual assault on Babe Ruth’s single-season home run record. The “M&M Boys” were the toast of New York, with Mantle especially reveling in his unparalleled celebrity. At the end of the season, it was the unassuming Maris that dethroned “The Babe”, crushing his 61st home run of the season in the final game, a 1-0 victory over the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium.
Offered here is a contract signed by both Maris and Mantle for the pair to appear on Perry Como’s Kraft Music Hall television program, with the taping occurring on the Yankees off-day of September 22nd, 1961. The famed comedian and actor Buddy Hackett joined in on the fun to appear with Maris and Mantle on the 14th season opening episode of Como’s show. This offered contract is for the value of $15,000 payable to Mantle & Maris Enterprises Inc. The contract has been signed on the final page in blue pen by the Hall of Famer Mantle and Maris. This historic contract comes with a LOA from JSA (BB12017).