Babe Ruth 100th Anniversary Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/12/2014
Game used and authenticated Mickey Mantle gloves are extremely rare and valuable, especially when compared to game used bats and jerseys. It is estimated only 3-4 game used Mantle Gloves are in private collections. Out of that tiny grouping, only one of them has a letter of authenticity from the manufacturer of the glove (Rawlings) and has been used by Rawlings for years as a showcase of their prior relationship with the great Mickey Mantle, and this is the very glove we present here.
The Mick came into 1965 as number 5 on the list of career home runs and undisputedly the most popular player in the game. But 15 years of tough major league campaigns were catching up and he spent stretches of the season on the disabled list. Still, Mantle managed to hit 19 home runs and make the All-Star team. This Rawlings XPG6H/11.75 fielder's glove was manufactured by Rawlings specifically for Mantle in 1965. The glove shows outstanding game use, with the expected matting to the fleece lined wrist strap, minimal scraping to the finger tips and sweat stains on the interior leather surface. The Pro Style H-Web and leather webbing appears original and intact. The red Rawlings label shows wear and the white threading is partially frayed. The glove is unbelievably soft and supple even after 50 years, no doubt to Rawlings' having pre-dipped the leather in oil prior to construction to ensure its softness. This was a treatment done per Mantle's specs as are the extra stiffening in the fingers and an extra ply of leather in the palm. One of the most fascinating features found on this glove is the hand written number on the base of the thumb and pinky finger. Just like every ball player from little league on up to the majors, Mantle marked his gloves with his number "7" and this '65 version is no exception. Mantle's number "7" has been hand written in black marker and matches the existing "7"s known to have been penned by The Mick on his gloves dating from the same period.
Mantle played his last game as a centerfielder in 1966, switching exclusively first base for his final two seasons in 1967 and 1968. Mantle game used gloves are among the most treasured and rarest items to obtain for Mantle collectors. Over 15 years ago in 1999, actor and comedian Billy Crystal famously paid $239,000 for an authentic game used Mantle centerfielder glove. Its certain that Mantle memorabilia has increased in value over the past 15 years.
This outstanding glove was originally obtained from Chicago Cubs catcher Randy Hundley who was given the glove by Mantle in 1966. The glove will come with a photo of Mickey wearing what appears to be an almost identical glove that if its not a photo match, is certainly a style match to this glove. PSA/DNA has examined the glove and issued their Certificate of Authenticity. For disclosure purposes we note that PSA was unable to authenticate the signature on the glove, likely due to the fact it was signed on pre-oiled leather. It is important to note that this EXACT GLOVE has been displayed multiple times by Rawlings at several MLB winter meetings and at the 2008 New York All Star Game Fanfest as a sterling example of the gloves they produced for Mantle. Game used player gloves, especially from over 45 years ago are far rarer then bats or even game used jerseys. The player would receive at least 4 jerseys per year (2 home and 2 away) while many stuck with a glove they liked for multiple seasons. You can count the number of authenticated and real Mantle gloves on 1 hand, and of those authenticated gloves, this is last one that dates to his days as a center fielder, and the only one that comes with a LOA from Rawlings, the manufacturer of the glove and the ones who gave it to Mantle. Full LOA from PSA/DNA and LOA from Rawlings. Comes with Rawlings Gold Glove Stand specially produced by Rawlings for this glove which was used by them to display at baseball functions.