@MLBdays said:
Mantle underachieved big time...HE was loaded with regrets ~ 4 -100 RBI seasons ~ 4. ... BA .298 for career (I can hear all the excuses coming).... he had all the mystique and WS wins but he was a sad man..... Casey Stengel~his manager ~ was like a father to him and Casey did NOT include Mantle on his All Time All-Star team while Mickey was still playing and that affected Mickey..... MYSTIQUE for the '56 season triple crown and he was a Yankee multiple WS winner... a fallible Yankee everyone could and did love...HE was everyman.. a shooting star and a legend. His numbers are what they say they are behind many, many others. I'm a Mantle admirer, buyer and a lover of all of his stories. Nothing can change that. And his cards sell a lot faster than most if not all. But don't ride off into the sunset with his knee injury in that dreadful sprinkler head in the outfield so you can add fictitious numbers that never happened. HE earned what he got ~a fabulous HOF career and adulation of a gazillion fans .... Mays is undervalued, as is Aaron compared to the chosen one. So buy em up!
RBI and BA are two very poor metrics to base a player evaluation on.
If batting average is such a poor metric, why is it used in computing OBP , and OBP is then used in computing OPS?
If BA is such a very poor metric, it wouldn't be the basis of these two very important stats, OBP and OPS, correct?
Those metrics would simply not exist without batting average.
Mantles' .298 career average tells us he was a very good hitter, OBP and OPS goes further and tells us he
was great at getting on base and had exceptional power.
So it seems BA is actually a great metric for evaluation, as without it we wouldn't have much to go on
to evaluate how good a player is at the plate
Wow. So much ignorance in this post, and so little space. I’ll take a pass.
@IndianaJones said:
I think everyone's mind is made up about the player they like the most, and no one is going to change their mind. Fine. Collect who makes you happy, makes your heart flutter, and if you grudgingly have to shell out boo coo 'cause the one card you need is Mickey Mantle, and you hate 'em---that's life. Supply and demand.
A personal story from my first major convention, the huge Midwest Sports Collectors Convention in Troy, Michigan, in July 1972. I had just turned 18. I met a kindly collector - dealer there by the name of Bill Haber. He worked for Topps, and his job was drawing the cartoons on the backside of the cards. Nice guy. Anyway, he must have had access to some of the company's exotic test issue cards that Topps still had around. He had a satchel with perhaps a dozen mint sets of the 1969 Topps Super Baseball. The sets were each bundled with a strip of paper that was taped to hold them together. I later found out the "super" title referred to the high glossy sheen put on the cards. I had never seen them before. Intriguing cards, and simply gorgeous.
Bill's asking price was thirty dollars, a whopping sum in my mind, because that figure came to what two complete Topps regular issue sets cost from a dealer! However, I had never heard of, nor seen, these cards before. So, I asked if I could see a set.
If you're curious, you can look up the impressive array of Hall-of Fame stars that comprise this set. I carefully shuffled through the 66 cards. As soon as I came to number 24, Mickey Mantle, I stopped, my eyes bulged, and I silently gasped----sold.
The purchase was one of the many highlights of the convention for me.
I still have the Mantle, and that beauty was eventually graded---MINT condition.
Aconte said it best, there's Mickey Mantle, and after him everyone else.
So when you were 10 years old Mickey was playing in 1962
@JoeBanzai said:
BA is a great stat. It's pure. How many times per 100 at bats does the player strike the ball and get on base.
It's beautiful.
It doesn't give you the total value of a batter, but it certainly is a great start. You REALLY lose me with the "+" numbers they're just trying to get to one number to rate something and most of them fail.
I agree, there is not one statistic that can rate players completely (yet) but we do have some really good ones. Don't let the plus's scare you away. They are just there to show you that the metric has been adjusted for league and park factors.
Not scared, those numbers do as much harm as good. I know what they TRY to do.
Curious, what kind of harm can baseball metrics do?
On a different thread there was some ridiculous number that showed how much tougher it was for Mantle to hit in Yankee Stadium than Joe DiMaggio. Most ridiculous thing I ever read. Mantle being a switch hitter batted lefty 66% of the time and the other 33% had a favorable matchup against a left handed pitcher. DiMaggio batted right handed in a park with a huge left center and center field area.
Give me a break. Park factor. RIGHT!
2013,14 and 15 Certificate Award Winner Harmon Killebrew Master Set and Master Topps Set
Hey lawyer05. Since you mentioned 1962, during that summer I turned 8. I still have somewhat vivid memories of pulling cards out of wax packs and cutting cards off Post Cereal boxes. When I got Koufax, Clemente, Aaron, Killebrew, that was nice, and I mean only "nice". I STILL remember the place I was on the driveway of my home when I pulled Roger Maris. I was so thrilled, and that's such a beautiful card. When I pulled Mickey, he was by far the biggest in my mind. However, it was such a lousy photo of him, within 10 years, after my dear mother had tossed out half my card collection during a move (which included that '62 Mantle and all my 61/62 Fleer basketball!) I had completely forgotten what the card looked like.
Having said that, during most years, getting Mickey Mantle was the highlight of my collecting year. My favorite card from the 1962 Post Cereal was Mick. I was developing my fine collector's eye at this time, and I remember when I was looking at the Post cereal boxes at the supermarket, there was a box with a Mantle that just looked much better than any other I'd seen. The colors were rich and intense, and the picture quality was extra crisp and focused. "A good strike" as they say in the coin world. I selected that box to give to put in my Mom's shopping cart. I cut that precious Mantle out with all the fine motor skills my little 8-year-old hands could muster, which was decent. I'm happy and thankful to say I still have that Mantle. Wouldn't grade a PSA 10, but I don't care---you cannot exchange the one you had as a kid most of the time.
Once I resumed adult collecting in the mid-80s, my sights were set on Mickey. By far, the highlight of my collecting life was getting a rare Mickey Mantle regional in world-class condition.
For me, I can echo the thread title---IT IS Mickey Mantle, then everybody else. IT IS WHAT IT IS.
Have a swell day, bro. Take care. ---- Indiana Jones (Brian Powell)
@IndianaJones said:
Hey lawyer05. Since you mentioned 1962, during that summer I turned 8. I still have somewhat vivid memories of pulling cards out of wax packs and cutting cards off Post Cereal boxes. When I got Koufax, Clemente, Aaron, Killebrew, that was nice, and I mean only "nice". I STILL remember the place I was on the driveway of my home when I pulled Roger Maris. I was so thrilled, and that's such a beautiful card. When I pulled Mickey, he was by far the biggest in my mind. However, it was such a lousy photo of him, within 10 years, after my dear mother had tossed out half my card collection during a move (which included that '62 Mantle and all my 61/62 Fleer basketball!) I had completely forgotten what the card looked like.
Having said that, during most years, getting Mickey Mantle was the highlight of my collecting year. My favorite card from the 1962 Post Cereal was Mick. I was developing my fine collector's eye at this time, and I remember when I was looking at the Post cereal boxes at the supermarket, there was a box with a Mantle that just looked much better than any other I'd seen. The colors were rich and intense, and the picture quality was extra crisp and focused. "A good strike" as they say in the coin world. I selected that box to give to put in my Mom's shopping cart. I cut that precious Mantle out with all the fine motor skills my little 8-year-old hands could muster, which was decent. I'm happy and thankful to say I still have that Mantle. Wouldn't grade a PSA 10, but I don't care---you cannot exchange the one you had as a kid most of the time.
Once I resumed adult collecting in the mid-80s, my sights were set on Mickey. By far, the highlight of my collecting life was getting a rare Mickey Mantle regional in world-class condition.
For me, I can echo the thread title---IT IS Mickey Mantle, then everybody else. IT IS WHAT IT IS.
Have a swell day, bro. Take care. ---- Indiana Jones (Brian Powell)
Well stated Brian. Collecting is supposed to be fun and I had a blast chasing these down. That is the whole point of collecting - if not just collect $100 bills.
@Desert_Ice_Sports said:
Saying that Mantle was a better all-around player than Mays is just crazytalk... Yes, Mays played several years more than Mantle did, but longevity is one of the parameters of greatness.
And, let's not forget that Mays missed almost two full seasons due to military service... And, those two seasons were sandwiched between a ROY and an MVP... And, Mays won 12 straight Gold Gloves... Saying that Mantle was an average fielder is a tremendous complement to him.
Mays was a true 5-tool player... Mantle had 4 tools, at most.
Clemente was also a 5 tool player
IT CAN'T BE A TRUE PLAYOFF UNLESS THE BIG TEN CHAMPIONS ARE INCLUDED
@Desert_Ice_Sports said:
Saying that Mantle was a better all-around player than Mays is just crazytalk... Yes, Mays played several years more than Mantle did, but longevity is one of the parameters of greatness.
And, let's not forget that Mays missed almost two full seasons due to military service... And, those two seasons were sandwiched between a ROY and an MVP... And, Mays won 12 straight Gold Gloves... Saying that Mantle was an average fielder is a tremendous complement to him.
Mays was a true 5-tool player... Mantle had 4 tools, at most.
First, to KendallCat, thanks for the kind words, my friend. Foremost, you have a formidable array of centered Mickeys there, my fellow collecting warrior. Simply beautiful and the picture quality is INTENSE. Thank you for sharing with us.
Your elegant display got me to cogitating.
I was reflecting on what I wrote 12/7, in regard to the highlight of my collecting life being a rare regional Mickey in world-class condition. While I do not have an image available at the moment of my piece de resistance, I was able to find an image (prior to being edited) used for the cover of my E-book on a CD, NEVER CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN. For some individuals on here, if you don't post an image, what you say never happened, or it falls on deaf ears. I decided to fix that.
Though my book is by no means all-Mickey, this fearsome threesome are all regional-food, hunted down when Powell was on the prowl for the rare breed . My sincere apologies to the Forum moderators, as the items were graded by a competitor. Some of the other images from my book are of pieces that were indeed graded by PSA, including the aforementioned highlight of my collecting life.
I don't wish to weary anyone, but several very strong incidents / forces began to work in me to collect Mickey Mantle, almost to the exclusion of everyone else. After several years of reading about Mantle's career exploits with enjoyment, I began reading his autobiography, THE MICK, by Mickey Mantle with Herb Gluck. There was an event with which I could STRONGLY AND INTENSELY IDENTIFY PERSONALLY with Mickey----the very tragic early death of his beloved father. Mick lost his dad at 20; I was 13. Just as his death devastated he and his family, my dad's death did to me and mine. Something else critically important happened with his dad's death I could relate to, but I've already wrote too much, I fear.
To sum it up, Mickey Mantle thrilled me as a player, though I never saw him play in person, nor on TV, though I began collecting in 1961. I have loved collecting baseball cards, and among the first cards I saw was one of Mantle, belonging to a friend. Later, in my early 30s, I read what his dad's death did to him, and I could identify with his severe feelings of loss. Put it all together, for awhile I was a raving Mantle Maniac, and loving it. Finally, I could no longer afford his period cards and coins. I began collecting some of his post-career cards I found enchanting and caught my eye. Whether or not those appreciate in value is irrelevant; I bought them because I love how they looked. They made me smile and feel like a kid again!
The other players are nice, and some I will collect here and there, but the central focus of my collecting hunt, where baseball cards go, is Mickey Mantle. --- Indiana Jones (Brian Powell)
KC...sparkling eye appeal on the Micks for the grade. Centering is near perfect and coloration is outstanding! Wow...3 '56s! Really? You love that card don't you...I do too!
@IndianaJones said:
Hey lawyer05. Since you mentioned 1962, during that summer I turned 8. I still have somewhat vivid memories of pulling cards out of wax packs and cutting cards off Post Cereal boxes. When I got Koufax, Clemente, Aaron, Killebrew, that was nice, and I mean only "nice". I STILL remember the place I was on the driveway of my home when I pulled Roger Maris. I was so thrilled, and that's such a beautiful card. When I pulled Mickey, he was by far the biggest in my mind. However, it was such a lousy photo of him, within 10 years, after my dear mother had tossed out half my card collection during a move (which included that '62 Mantle and all my 61/62 Fleer basketball!) I had completely forgotten what the card looked like.
Having said that, during most years, getting Mickey Mantle was the highlight of my collecting year. My favorite card from the 1962 Post Cereal was Mick. I was developing my fine collector's eye at this time, and I remember when I was looking at the Post cereal boxes at the supermarket, there was a box with a Mantle that just looked much better than any other I'd seen. The colors were rich and intense, and the picture quality was extra crisp and focused. "A good strike" as they say in the coin world. I selected that box to give to put in my Mom's shopping cart. I cut that precious Mantle out with all the fine motor skills my little 8-year-old hands could muster, which was decent. I'm happy and thankful to say I still have that Mantle. Wouldn't grade a PSA 10, but I don't care---you cannot exchange the one you had as a kid most of the time.
Once I resumed adult collecting in the mid-80s, my sights were set on Mickey. By far, the highlight of my collecting life was getting a rare Mickey Mantle regional in world-class condition.
For me, I can echo the thread title---IT IS Mickey Mantle, then everybody else. IT IS WHAT IT IS.
Have a swell day, bro. Take care. ---- Indiana Jones (Brian Powell)
Well stated Brian. Collecting is supposed to be fun and I had a blast chasing these down. That is the whole point of collecting - if not just collect $100 bills.
Beautiful Mantle’s. Do you still have ?
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daltex
I am not sure the accuracy but hasn't it been stated that Mays was not a very likable guy. Popularity matters and guys like Bonds, Harper, etc. did not seem to care how people perceived them. I mean look how much everyone adores Big Papi but hate Bonds!
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@KendallCat said:
All great points but bottom line is card values are what they are based on simple economic principles -supply and demand. Can’t tell people what they should like, and while Mays might be better than Mantle or Aaron better than Clemente what makes them worth more? Andy Pafko and Benny Bengough are not household names, but try to finish a 33 Goudey or 52 Topps set in high grade without one.
Mantle might not have the greatest overall numbers,, highest BA, highest OPS, most Hr’s.... but try to put together a set from 1951-1969 and you will find his card(s) to be the most expensive or second most in almost every set. If you are wanting cards that are popular and appreciate in value tremendously he is not a bad one to pick.
KC
KC got closest to how I would sum up the reasoning behind Mantle's appeal and his cards' appreciation. Too many of you are getting bogged down in pointless discussions over whose Wins Above Replacement or WRC+ was better in their career or in their prime. I'm not saying it's not important but it's not important in determining why or how one player's cards become more valuable than another. The main factor is cultural, but contributing factors are the timing of Mantle's career with Topps' inaugural issue and strength of his card's price history. In my opinion, in terms of valuing retired and deceased player's cards, people should be thinking less about card prices as a representation of that player's value and skill and more about the cards as a portion of a diversified stock portfolio. Another way I would characterize it is that I almost consider the 1951B, 1952, 1953, and 1956 Topps issues of Mantle to be like rare art pieces, like a limited release Andy Warhol print, and I think someday in the future they will be treated as such if they aren't already.
For example, I collect certain unopened from 90's issues that featured Jeter prominently. Was he the best player from that era? Not even close. Not even the best SS really. But the price history of his cards, the timing of their release (93 SP as a premium issue that stood out from the crowd) and his cultural impact on the game then and now are very much front of mind when I make investment decisions. Just my opinion.
@mintonlypls said:
KC...sparkling eye appeal on the Micks for the grade. Centering is near perfect and coloration is outstanding! Wow...3 '56s! Really? You love that card don't you...
@IndianaJones said:
Hey lawyer05. Since you mentioned 1962, during that summer I turned 8. I still have somewhat vivid memories of pulling cards out of wax packs and cutting cards off Post Cereal boxes. When I got Koufax, Clemente, Aaron, Killebrew, that was nice, and I mean only "nice". I STILL remember the place I was on the driveway of my home when I pulled Roger Maris. I was so thrilled, and that's such a beautiful card. When I pulled Mickey, he was by far the biggest in my mind. However, it was such a lousy photo of him, within 10 years, after my dear mother had tossed out half my card collection during a move (which included that '62 Mantle and all my 61/62 Fleer basketball!) I had completely forgotten what the card looked like.
Well stated Brian. Collecting is supposed to be fun and I had a blast chasing these down. That is the whole point of collecting - if not just collect $100 bills.
Beautiful Mantle’s. Do you still have ?
Still have some of them and added a few new higher grades for the 56 Mantle plus a 58 Mantle, 68 Mantle….
Perception as well; Mantle Warm smile from ear to ear, Mays dour sourpuss. Aaron somewhere in between. Or so I've heard as all were way before my time.
It's the singer not the song - Peter Townshend (1972)
@mintonlypls said:
KC...sparkling eye appeal on the Micks for the grade. Centering is near perfect and coloration is outstanding! Wow...3 '56s! Really? You love that card don't you...
@IndianaJones said:
Hey lawyer05. Since you mentioned 1962, during that summer I turned 8. I still have somewhat vivid memories of pulling cards out of wax packs and cutting cards off Post Cereal boxes. When I got Koufax, Clemente, Aaron, Killebrew, that was nice, and I mean only "nice". I STILL remember the place I was on the driveway of my home when I pulled Roger Maris. I was so thrilled, and that's such a beautiful card. When I pulled Mickey, he was by far the biggest in my mind. However, it was such a lousy photo of him, within 10 years, after my dear mother had tossed out half my card collection during a move (which included that '62 Mantle and all my 61/62 Fleer basketball!) I had completely forgotten what the card looked like.
Well stated Brian. Collecting is supposed to be fun and I had a blast chasing these down. That is the whole point of collecting - if not just collect $100 bills.
Beautiful Mantle’s. Do you still have ?
Still have some of them and added a few new higher grades for the 56 Mantle plus a 58 Mantle, 68 Mantle….
Superb centering!
That 58 is amazing.
Forum members on ignore
Erba - coolstanley-dallasactuary-SDsportsfan
daltex
A close friend of mine just spent over 35k putting together a Mantle collection, he has all the basic cards and the majority of the oddball cards including the Red Heart and Dan Dee chip cards, I was surprised at how much those went for.
He is on pause now and needs the 52 Topps and 51 Bowman
He said it's an investment and Mantle cards are a great additiom to your portfolio since they always do so well, he isn't wrong
The yankees were winners. Mantle has the all-time record fro HR in the World Series. To me this is were I see a disconnect between Mantle and Trout. Trout can't even get to the playoffs (whether its his fault or not) and Mantle flourished in the playoffs.
Now It appears based on their stats that AAron and Mays may have had better all around careers. And quite possibly were better ball players. But the playoff stuff, much like Mr October, sets him apart.
@olb31 said:
The yankees were winners. Mantle has the all-time record fro HR in the World Series. To me this is were I see a disconnect between Mantle and Trout. Trout can't even get to the playoffs (whether its his fault or not) and Mantle flourished in the playoffs.
Now It appears based on their stats that AAron and Mays may have had better all around careers. And quite possibly were better ball players. But the playoff stuff, much like Mr October, sets him apart.
The playoff stats speak for themselves. Some players are immune to the pressure and the ones that step up in the playoffs will always be the most revered: Ruth, Gehrig, Berra, Jackson, Jeter, Rose, etc. Aaron has good numbers but May's playoff performance wasn't near as good but he does have one of the most clutch plays in playoff history. Trout will go down in history similar to Mays if he can't start making the playoffs. His stats and stat line will be loaded with regular season MVP's and near MVP seasons but he needs at least one WS title to deserve a place near Mays.
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@olb31 said:
The yankees were winners. Mantle has the all-time record fro HR in the World Series. To me this is were I see a disconnect between Mantle and Trout. Trout can't even get to the playoffs (whether its his fault or not) and Mantle flourished in the playoffs.
Agreed. '
More often than not Mantle Produced when it counted most. Trout is merely a statisticians regular season's dream. The more meaningless the game the better Trouts production.
But hey it's great fun to watch Trout methodically eeeeeek out a walk with the tying run on second and 2 outs in bottom of the ninth. Sadly WAR rewards baton passing (which more often than not is passed to an an "inferior" hitter) without any regard to the actual game situation.
It's the singer not the song - Peter Townshend (1972)
@olb31 said:
Baseball card collectors = 50 and over
Football and basketball = 30 and over,
could these items explain some of the differences? Baseball was the big ticket item through 1994, after the strike things have changed drastically. Baseball enthusiasts are waning, basketball is thriving and football is holding it's own. Just a thought.
I do agree, however nearly same could have been said 10-15 years ago.
It's the singer not the song - Peter Townshend (1972)
@perkdog said:
A close friend of mine just spent over 35k putting together a Mantle collection,
I finished the Mays basic run for about a sixth of this cost (6K) around seven years ago. Mantle is just simply iconic in the hobby.
Not clear on why some, especially on this forum believe that on-field performance should be sole determiner of Trading card FMV. it's never been the case, and never will be.
It's the singer not the song - Peter Townshend (1972)
@perkdog said:
A close friend of mine just spent over 35k putting together a Mantle collection,
I finished the Mays basic run for about a sixth of this cost (6K) around seven years ago. Mantle is just simply iconic in the hobby.
Not clear on why some, especially on this forum believe that on-field performance should be sole determiner of Trading card FMV. it's never been the case, and never will be.
In the case of Clemente I view his off field efforts just as important if not more, as his on field contributions. Not for how he died, but for what he was trying to do with his humanitarian efforts.
Successful transactions:Tookybandit. "Everyone is equal, some are more equal than others".
I’m not a Mantle guy and only own one. I’m a Clemente and Aaron and that’s where I hoard. I just always liked them better. I even prefer Matt’s to the Mick.
@perkdog said:
A close friend of mine just spent over 35k putting together a Mantle collection,
I finished the Mays basic run for about a sixth of this cost (6K) around seven years ago. Mantle is just simply iconic in the hobby.
Not clear on why some, especially on this forum believe that on-field performance should be sole determiner of Trading card FMV. it's never been the case, and never will be.
@perkdog said:
A close friend of mine just spent over 35k putting together a Mantle collection,
I finished the Mays basic run for about a sixth of this cost (6K) around seven years ago. Mantle is just simply iconic in the hobby.
Not clear on why some, especially on this forum believe that on-field performance should be sole determiner of Trading card FMV. it's never been the case, and never will be.
certainly should be at least 90% of the reason.
Supply and Demand are sole determiners of FMV. On field performance for many is a huge factor in the demand however it need not be the case. I for one will never purchase a Mike Trout card, not because I've only collected vintage last 24 years, but because frankly I find his style of play to be a bore. I do wish however that I had purchased Mantles when I could have....
It's the singer not the song - Peter Townshend (1972)
@perkdog said:
A close friend of mine just spent over 35k putting together a Mantle collection,
I finished the Mays basic run for about a sixth of this cost (6K) around seven years ago. Mantle is just simply iconic in the hobby.
Not clear on why some, especially on this forum believe that on-field performance should be sole determiner of Trading card FMV. it's never been the case, and never will be.
certainly should be at least 90% of the reason.
On field performance is without a doubt the primary reason, but it isn't the only reason.
@perkdog said:
A close friend of mine just spent over 35k putting together a Mantle collection,
I finished the Mays basic run for about a sixth of this cost (6K) around seven years ago. Mantle is just simply iconic in the hobby.
Not clear on why some, especially on this forum believe that on-field performance should be sole determiner of Trading card FMV. it's never been the case, and never will be.
certainly should be at least 90% of the reason.
On field should be a big factor for sure, and fans look at what people do on the big stage for sure. Look at Mantle, Reggie, Ruth, Montana, Bradshaw and Namath compared to their contemporaries like Williams, Yaz, Killebrew, Marino, Tarkenton… If you excel in the World Series or Super Bowl people remember. For example Yogi has what 9 WS rings and a few MVP’s. Little do people remember he never led the AL in any statistical category in his career - ever.🤔
@perkdog said:
A close friend of mine just spent over 35k putting together a Mantle collection,
I finished the Mays basic run for about a sixth of this cost (6K) around seven years ago. Mantle is just simply iconic in the hobby.
Not clear on why some, especially on this forum believe that on-field performance should be sole determiner of Trading card FMV. it's never been the case, and never will be.
certainly should be at least 90% of the reason.
Supply and Demand are sole determiners of FMV. On field performance for many is a huge factor in the demand however it need not be the case. I for one will never purchase a Mike Trout card, not because I've only collected vintage last 24 years, but because frankly I find his style of play to be a bore. I do wish however that I had purchased Mantles when I could have....
Trout is a fine player but card price wise, may be the over hyped card in the history of cards. One or two have sold for over a million dollars, that's just crazy.
@perkdog said:
A close friend of mine just spent over 35k putting together a Mantle collection,
I finished the Mays basic run for about a sixth of this cost (6K) around seven years ago. Mantle is just simply iconic in the hobby.
Not clear on why some, especially on this forum believe that on-field performance should be sole determiner of Trading card FMV. it's never been the case, and never will be.
certainly should be at least 90% of the reason.
On field should be a big factor for sure, and fans look at what people do on the big stage for sure. Look at Mantle, Reggie, Ruth, Montana, Bradshaw and Namath compared to their contemporaries like Williams, Yaz, Killebrew, Marino, Tarkenton… If you excel in the World Series or Super Bowl people remember. For example Yogi has what 9 WS rings and a few MVP’s. Little do people remember he never led the AL in any statistical category in his career - ever.🤔
Having a great name and a great personality can go a long way. Oh and those zainy quotes!
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OK, there has been a lot of talk of various things, but what cards are the coolest/best looking? Mantle vs. Mays? Here's my picks for the Topps versions where each had a card.
@olb31 said:
Mantle mays card certainly has a strong appeal.
Since you’re part of the reason I snagged it, I’m posting it in your honor. I searched a while and still occasionally peek but between vivid color, brightness, clarity, the solid L/R centering and the trademark Canadian rough cut on the top and the bottom, it was (and still is) one of the nicest examples I’ve ever seen and it was priced fairly, too.
(PS - The scratch by the ‘Y’ in the name plate is on the holder, not the card):
1966 O-Pee-Chee #50 Mickey Mantle
Curious about the rare, mysterious and beautiful 1951 Wheaties Premium Photos?
Comments
Wow. So much ignorance in this post, and so little space. I’ll take a pass.
So when you were 10 years old Mickey was playing in 1962
cause everyone loved MIckey Mantle,
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Major_League_Baseball_players_from_Panama
Can baseball metrics measure Mickey Mantle's good looks ?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Major_League_Baseball_players_from_Panama
On a different thread there was some ridiculous number that showed how much tougher it was for Mantle to hit in Yankee Stadium than Joe DiMaggio. Most ridiculous thing I ever read. Mantle being a switch hitter batted lefty 66% of the time and the other 33% had a favorable matchup against a left handed pitcher. DiMaggio batted right handed in a park with a huge left center and center field area.
Give me a break. Park factor. RIGHT!
Hey lawyer05. Since you mentioned 1962, during that summer I turned 8. I still have somewhat vivid memories of pulling cards out of wax packs and cutting cards off Post Cereal boxes. When I got Koufax, Clemente, Aaron, Killebrew, that was nice, and I mean only "nice". I STILL remember the place I was on the driveway of my home when I pulled Roger Maris. I was so thrilled, and that's such a beautiful card. When I pulled Mickey, he was by far the biggest in my mind. However, it was such a lousy photo of him, within 10 years, after my dear mother had tossed out half my card collection during a move (which included that '62 Mantle and all my 61/62 Fleer basketball!) I had completely forgotten what the card looked like.
Having said that, during most years, getting Mickey Mantle was the highlight of my collecting year. My favorite card from the 1962 Post Cereal was Mick. I was developing my fine collector's eye at this time, and I remember when I was looking at the Post cereal boxes at the supermarket, there was a box with a Mantle that just looked much better than any other I'd seen. The colors were rich and intense, and the picture quality was extra crisp and focused. "A good strike" as they say in the coin world. I selected that box to give to put in my Mom's shopping cart. I cut that precious Mantle out with all the fine motor skills my little 8-year-old hands could muster, which was decent. I'm happy and thankful to say I still have that Mantle. Wouldn't grade a PSA 10, but I don't care---you cannot exchange the one you had as a kid most of the time.
Once I resumed adult collecting in the mid-80s, my sights were set on Mickey. By far, the highlight of my collecting life was getting a rare Mickey Mantle regional in world-class condition.
For me, I can echo the thread title---IT IS Mickey Mantle, then everybody else. IT IS WHAT IT IS.
Have a swell day, bro. Take care. ---- Indiana Jones (Brian Powell)
Well stated Brian. Collecting is supposed to be fun and I had a blast chasing these down. That is the whole point of collecting - if not just collect $100 bills.
Clemente was also a 5 tool player
IT CAN'T BE A TRUE PLAYOFF UNLESS THE BIG TEN CHAMPIONS ARE INCLUDED
Clemente was light on the power.
First, to KendallCat, thanks for the kind words, my friend. Foremost, you have a formidable array of centered Mickeys there, my fellow collecting warrior. Simply beautiful and the picture quality is INTENSE. Thank you for sharing with us.
Your elegant display got me to cogitating.
I was reflecting on what I wrote 12/7, in regard to the highlight of my collecting life being a rare regional Mickey in world-class condition. While I do not have an image available at the moment of my piece de resistance, I was able to find an image (prior to being edited) used for the cover of my E-book on a CD, NEVER CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN. For some individuals on here, if you don't post an image, what you say never happened, or it falls on deaf ears. I decided to fix that.
Though my book is by no means all-Mickey, this fearsome threesome are all regional-food, hunted down when Powell was on the prowl for the rare breed . My sincere apologies to the Forum moderators, as the items were graded by a competitor. Some of the other images from my book are of pieces that were indeed graded by PSA, including the aforementioned highlight of my collecting life.
I don't wish to weary anyone, but several very strong incidents / forces began to work in me to collect Mickey Mantle, almost to the exclusion of everyone else. After several years of reading about Mantle's career exploits with enjoyment, I began reading his autobiography, THE MICK, by Mickey Mantle with Herb Gluck. There was an event with which I could STRONGLY AND INTENSELY IDENTIFY PERSONALLY with Mickey----the very tragic early death of his beloved father. Mick lost his dad at 20; I was 13. Just as his death devastated he and his family, my dad's death did to me and mine. Something else critically important happened with his dad's death I could relate to, but I've already wrote too much, I fear.
To sum it up, Mickey Mantle thrilled me as a player, though I never saw him play in person, nor on TV, though I began collecting in 1961. I have loved collecting baseball cards, and among the first cards I saw was one of Mantle, belonging to a friend. Later, in my early 30s, I read what his dad's death did to him, and I could identify with his severe feelings of loss. Put it all together, for awhile I was a raving Mantle Maniac, and loving it. Finally, I could no longer afford his period cards and coins. I began collecting some of his post-career cards I found enchanting and caught my eye. Whether or not those appreciate in value is irrelevant; I bought them because I love how they looked. They made me smile and feel like a kid again!
The other players are nice, and some I will collect here and there, but the central focus of my collecting hunt, where baseball cards go, is Mickey Mantle. --- Indiana Jones (Brian Powell)
KC...sparkling eye appeal on the Micks for the grade. Centering is near perfect and coloration is outstanding! Wow...3 '56s! Really? You love that card don't you...I do too!
Beautiful Mantle’s. Do you still have ?
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Erba - coolstanley-dallasactuary-SDsportsfan
daltex
I am not sure the accuracy but hasn't it been stated that Mays was not a very likable guy. Popularity matters and guys like Bonds, Harper, etc. did not seem to care how people perceived them. I mean look how much everyone adores Big Papi but hate Bonds!
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KC got closest to how I would sum up the reasoning behind Mantle's appeal and his cards' appreciation. Too many of you are getting bogged down in pointless discussions over whose Wins Above Replacement or WRC+ was better in their career or in their prime. I'm not saying it's not important but it's not important in determining why or how one player's cards become more valuable than another. The main factor is cultural, but contributing factors are the timing of Mantle's career with Topps' inaugural issue and strength of his card's price history. In my opinion, in terms of valuing retired and deceased player's cards, people should be thinking less about card prices as a representation of that player's value and skill and more about the cards as a portion of a diversified stock portfolio. Another way I would characterize it is that I almost consider the 1951B, 1952, 1953, and 1956 Topps issues of Mantle to be like rare art pieces, like a limited release Andy Warhol print, and I think someday in the future they will be treated as such if they aren't already.
For example, I collect certain unopened from 90's issues that featured Jeter prominently. Was he the best player from that era? Not even close. Not even the best SS really. But the price history of his cards, the timing of their release (93 SP as a premium issue that stood out from the crowd) and his cultural impact on the game then and now are very much front of mind when I make investment decisions. Just my opinion.
Still have some of them and added a few new higher grades for the 56 Mantle plus a 58 Mantle, 68 Mantle….
Perception as well; Mantle Warm smile from ear to ear, Mays dour sourpuss. Aaron somewhere in between. Or so I've heard as all were way before my time.
It's the singer not the song - Peter Townshend (1972)
Superb centering!
That 58 is amazing.
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Erba - coolstanley-dallasactuary-SDsportsfan
daltex
A close friend of mine just spent over 35k putting together a Mantle collection, he has all the basic cards and the majority of the oddball cards including the Red Heart and Dan Dee chip cards, I was surprised at how much those went for.
He is on pause now and needs the 52 Topps and 51 Bowman
He said it's an investment and Mantle cards are a great additiom to your portfolio since they always do so well, he isn't wrong
The yankees were winners. Mantle has the all-time record fro HR in the World Series. To me this is were I see a disconnect between Mantle and Trout. Trout can't even get to the playoffs (whether its his fault or not) and Mantle flourished in the playoffs.
Now It appears based on their stats that AAron and Mays may have had better all around careers. And quite possibly were better ball players. But the playoff stuff, much like Mr October, sets him apart.
The playoff stats speak for themselves. Some players are immune to the pressure and the ones that step up in the playoffs will always be the most revered: Ruth, Gehrig, Berra, Jackson, Jeter, Rose, etc. Aaron has good numbers but May's playoff performance wasn't near as good but he does have one of the most clutch plays in playoff history. Trout will go down in history similar to Mays if he can't start making the playoffs. His stats and stat line will be loaded with regular season MVP's and near MVP seasons but he needs at least one WS title to deserve a place near Mays.
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Agreed. '
More often than not Mantle Produced when it counted most. Trout is merely a statisticians regular season's dream. The more meaningless the game the better Trouts production.
But hey it's great fun to watch Trout methodically eeeeeek out a walk with the tying run on second and 2 outs in bottom of the ninth. Sadly WAR rewards baton passing (which more often than not is passed to an an "inferior" hitter) without any regard to the actual game situation.
It's the singer not the song - Peter Townshend (1972)
cakes -
Bill Russell and Michael Jordan immune to pressure.
I do agree, however nearly same could have been said 10-15 years ago.
It's the singer not the song - Peter Townshend (1972)
Cool thread! Who doesn’t love a good Mickey…
Curious about the rare, mysterious and beautiful 1951 Wheaties Premium Photos?
https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/987963/1951-wheaties-premium-photos-set-registry#latest
@1951WheatiesPremium who doesn’t? I know a guy
Yaz Master Set
#1 Gino Cappelletti master set
#1 John Hannah master set
Also collecting Andre Tippett, Patriots Greats' RCs, Dwight Evans, 1964 Venezuelan Topps, 1974 Topps Red Sox
I finished the Mays basic run for about a sixth of this cost (6K) around seven years ago. Mantle is just simply iconic in the hobby.
Not clear on why some, especially on this forum believe that on-field performance should be sole determiner of Trading card FMV. it's never been the case, and never will be.
It's the singer not the song - Peter Townshend (1972)
In the case of Clemente I view his off field efforts just as important if not more, as his on field contributions. Not for how he died, but for what he was trying to do with his humanitarian efforts.
I’m not a Mantle guy and only own one. I’m a Clemente and Aaron and that’s where I hoard. I just always liked them better. I even prefer Matt’s to the Mick.
Mays.
certainly should be at least 90% of the reason.
Supply and Demand are sole determiners of FMV. On field performance for many is a huge factor in the demand however it need not be the case. I for one will never purchase a Mike Trout card, not because I've only collected vintage last 24 years, but because frankly I find his style of play to be a bore. I do wish however that I had purchased Mantles when I could have....
It's the singer not the song - Peter Townshend (1972)
On field performance is without a doubt the primary reason, but it isn't the only reason.
On field should be a big factor for sure, and fans look at what people do on the big stage for sure. Look at Mantle, Reggie, Ruth, Montana, Bradshaw and Namath compared to their contemporaries like Williams, Yaz, Killebrew, Marino, Tarkenton… If you excel in the World Series or Super Bowl people remember. For example Yogi has what 9 WS rings and a few MVP’s. Little do people remember he never led the AL in any statistical category in his career - ever.🤔
Trout is a fine player but card price wise, may be the over hyped card in the history of cards. One or two have sold for over a million dollars, that's just crazy.
Having a great name and a great personality can go a long way. Oh and those zainy quotes!
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OK, there has been a lot of talk of various things, but what cards are the coolest/best looking? Mantle vs. Mays? Here's my picks for the Topps versions where each had a card.
1952 - Mantle
1953 - Mantle
1956 - Mantle
1957 - Mays
1958 - Mays
1959 - Mantle
1960 - Mantle
1961 - Mantle
1962 - Mays
1963 - Mays
1964 - Mays
1965 - Mays
1966 - Mays
1967 - Mays
1968 - Mantle
1969 - Mays
I would add the picks but can't figure it out. Also, I reverse the right the change my mind since it is subjective
I like
1964 Mantle over the 1964 Mays
1958 Mantle over the 1958 Mays
Tie 1956 Mantle/Mays
Otherwise…I agree w/you
1966 mays is an iconic card. and very difficult to find in a high grade. 1953 mays - his best card
1953 is hard to choose between Mantle and Mays. Both cards are some of the best ever produced IMO.
This one is pretty good.
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Erba - coolstanley-dallasactuary-SDsportsfan
daltex
Mantle mays card certainly has a strong appeal.
Since you’re part of the reason I snagged it, I’m posting it in your honor. I searched a while and still occasionally peek but between vivid color, brightness, clarity, the solid L/R centering and the trademark Canadian rough cut on the top and the bottom, it was (and still is) one of the nicest examples I’ve ever seen and it was priced fairly, too.
(PS - The scratch by the ‘Y’ in the name plate is on the holder, not the card):
1966 O-Pee-Chee #50 Mickey Mantle
Curious about the rare, mysterious and beautiful 1951 Wheaties Premium Photos?
https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/987963/1951-wheaties-premium-photos-set-registry#latest