Opening Day Auction 2014
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/26/2014
The old ABC Wide World of Sports show had as their catchphrase, “The thrill of victory…and the agony of defeat” and showed sports participants succeeding, and then famously crashing while ski jumping. With his 536 career home runs and 1710 strikeouts, no player knew this 180 degree difference fact more so than Mickey Mantle. This 16 x 20 inch vintage photo catches Mantle in the agony of defeat arena, featuring Mantle grimacing after swinging and missing or fouling off the pitch. Despite “missing his pitch” Mantle’s swing is near perfect, well-balanced and in control, with his exceptional strength exhibited with almost every muscle pulsing to peak power. Notice the size and strength of his legs and the muscles of his right forearm! The photo is in tremendous condition with light corner and edge wear. The reverse is blank and clean. This vintage image is quintessential Mantle. Asked one time if he tried to hit a home run every time up to bat, he replied, “Absolutely, I swung as hard as I could.” If you want an impressive vintage Mantle photo for your sports room which will garner tons of attention, look no further. Overall Excellent/Mint condition.