October Legends Closing November 1
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/2/2014
During his vast career playing for the New York Yankees, Mickey Mantle was considered the quintessential all around player. He could field, throw (117 outfield assists), run (timed at 3.1 down to first base), and hit for average (.353 average in 1956, .365 in 1957). However, his greatest achievements were the mammoth home runs he hit from both sides of the plate, with his best work performed with a Louisville Slugger. Even late in his career, when his obvious otherworldly talents were diminishing, Mantle enjoyed tremendous respect from opposing hurlers. In his last two seasons of 1967 and 1968, Mantle walked 213 times while accumulating only 211 hits. It was during these final seasons of his illustrious career when Mantle used this particular bat. This cracked 35 inch, 31.8 ounce Louisville Slugger P104 signature model bat derives from the 1966-68 manufacturing period, reflecting similarly to Mantle ordered bats. It features wonderful evidence of game use with many ball and stitch marks all around the barrel. From repeated ball contact, there is significant checking (separation of the grain), and several small chips are visible on the barrel which could be from tapping out the cleats of repeated use. The key to all the above is these characteristic are all around the barrel, indicating use from both right and left handed hitters. Similar to known Mantle gamers, and evidenced by period Mantle photographs from this late career era, there is a light amount of pine tar on the upper handle. Under the center brand is written “STIN” in black marker. One interesting aspect is the heavy flame burning all along the barrel. The act of flame tempering burns the soft grains of ash bats, making the bats harder and more durable. However, this flame burning was NOT done at the factory, but appears to have been “clubhouse style” live on location! Interesting, and the first time we have seen this. The model number “P104” is stamped on the knob. Based upon Mantle’s Professional Bat Ordering Records, he ordered these particular bats between 1966 and 1968, which match up conclusively with the C-18 style center brand (which were produced during 1965-69), as indicated in the definitive Louisville Slugger bat guide written by Vince Malta. This is a significant game used bat from one of the greatest players in baseball history, a virtual icon and the darling of fans, media and fellow players. Used by Mickey Mantle late in his career, this bat shows massive evidence of use and based upon factory ordering records and many Mantle use characteristics puts this bat in Mickey’s hands. Full LOA from PSA/DNA, cert number 1B08007.