The Commerce Comet - Mickey Charles Mantle

1951WheatiesPremium

It’s Friday and I’m bored.

So, it’s Mickey time...

bobbybakeriv

Love Mickey and I rarely hear that nickname anymore. I grew up in Oklahoma so I heard it all the time when I was a kid. Bench (from Binger) and Mantle were always boasted about by many. Sooners football was the main thing, but those two were also followed closely by Oklahomans. Nice Cards!!!!!!!

1951WheatiesPremium

The Oklahoma Today cards have eluded me over the years; always amazed how many great players of the era hailed from a place that’s OK 😂

1951WheatiesPremium

I’d love for this thread to feature more than just my cards...but while I wait?

Well, that Mother’s Day pin above was given out the day Mickey hit this one...

Here’s some more cardboard, too:

Oh the power in that swing...

He was like Roy Hobbs but real

Triple Crown Winner

3 time MVP

18 WS HR

Mickey

536HR

7

paleocards

Here are some of the faves from my collection (I hope you don't mind...)

1951WheatiesPremium

@paleocards said:
Here are some of the faves from my collection (I hope you don't mind...)

I clicked ‘Like’ but mean ‘Lust’

If you think I’d mind that your cards are better than mine, no chance...

...but, on a completely unrelated matter, I do need your home address and your vacation schedule.

😂

bobbybakeriv

@1951WheatiesPremium said:
The Oklahoma Today cards have eluded me over the years; always amazed how many great players of the era hailed from a place that’s OK 😂

Yeah there have been some good ones (e.g., Waner brothers, Murcer, Joe Carter, and Stargell was born there), Mantle was the greatest of them all though!

bswhiten

I see you picked up a Tri-fold. Congrats and I hate you. Haha.
I had to add another one I don't have to my checklist which is now 41 Tri-folds....I am guessing at least another ten or so based on multiples per year. Nice Mick's!

To add to your thread, here are my Mick PSA slab scans as a contact sheet...needs an update of around 35 or so more to scan

I like the Oklahoma Today issue too.

Just got a rare cap back...
Why a U (Upstate NY) was bottled in Atlanta I have no idea, but that is the story behind this cap found in an attic in NJ.

judgebuck

judgebuck

Tim,

Thought I'd add a couple of my own. See above.

From that great array of Mantles of yours, I especially like the 1960 Post (my favorite Mantle card) and the 1969 white letter.

David

DM23HOF

Great Stahl Meyer. Here are all my Micks in one shot...

paleocards

I knew there would be more impressive Mantles than mine showing up in this thread. I'm relieved that I don't have to give Tim my address and vacation schedule now!

1951WheatiesPremium

The first time Mickey ever wore a Yankee uniform was as September call up in 1950. For the last month, these future major leaguers took grounders, hit during batting practice, shagged flies, travel with the team and have a chance to meet some of the guys that would seem to be imminent future teammates, though being in a pennant race and getting ready for the playoffs, none of the call ups actually played.

Anyhow, here’s the program from that game - as luck would have it there was a double header that day - and this is the game one program, scored. Mickey’s name is not listed and he would have been just another face in the dugout at the time but in hindsight, it seems like a pretty significant moment and I’m very happy to have this piece in my collection.

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@bswhiten

I’d love to meet some day - we should try to make that happen when the world is right again.

@judgebuck

The ‘60 Post is just one of those that you need to see and hold in hand, too. The fact that it is signed is amazing. Mine’s a little beat up but a I think retained some good appeal; your example is stellar, David.

@DM23HOF

Seeing them all together is just...

...stupefying. That’s really impressive stuff.

And the 52T311!!!!

@paleocards

You know I’ve heard Bermuda is lovely any time of year...🤔

1951WheatiesPremium

@bobbybakeriv said:

@1951WheatiesPremium said:
The Oklahoma Today cards have eluded me over the years; always amazed how many great players of the era hailed from a place that’s OK 😂

Yeah there have been some good ones (e.g., Waner brothers, Murcer, Joe Carter, and Stargell was born there), Mantle was the greatest of them all though!

I feel like Carl Hubbel is wildly underrated.

judgebuck

I think this is the first Yankees game where Mantle was actually on the roster. 9/23/1950 v. Boston. He did not have an assigned number, but was listed in the program on the roster.

judgebuck

More Mantle stuff.

1951WheatiesPremium

@judgebuck said:
I think this is the first Yankees game where Mantle was actually on the roster. 9/23/1950 v. Boston. He did not have an assigned number, but was listed in the program on the roster.

David,

I think you are correct that that is the first time he was listed on the program an first time in pinstripes.

“ Mantle got his first taste of major-league life when the Yankees called him up on September 17, 1950. Although he rode the bench for the remaining few days of the season, the 18-year-old nevertheless traveled and took batting practice with the team. He observed the likes of Joe DiMaggio, Yogi Berra, and Phil Rizzuto as they were locked in a pennant race with the Detroit Tigers and Boston Red Sox.”

https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/mickey-mantle/

Mickey describes the game against the Browns in The Mick, most notably that seeing Scooter made Mickey realize he would be moving off shortstop and into the outfield - almost immediately upon seeing Rizzuto take fielding before the game.

Great to see the Yankees program from his pinstripe debut and the first time his name was listed!

GREAT stuff, David!

Best,

Tim

bswhiten

Look forward to it one day Tim! The obscure Mick collectors are the best

Nice signed base cards in this post! sweet.

Mick's 1950 minor league season matchbook schedule.

Here is a tough one...

thesouthdoesitagain

Hi guys.
Back 10yrs or so, I was a avid Mantle hoarder myself.
I (pawpawdiv9) and fellow hoarder Bestdj77 were emersed into Mantle. He still had most of collection, but i have sold most of mine. (Over at Net54)--were both named Chris.
I still have the 51 &52 of course.
I also have some items that were given s a Secret Santa a yr or so ago.

1951WheatiesPremium

@thesouthdoesitagain said:
Hi guys.
Back 10yrs or so, I was a avid Mantle hoarder myself.
I (pawpawdiv9) and fellow hoarder Bestdj77 were emersed into Mantle. He still had most of collection, but i have sold most of mine. (Over at Net54)--were both named Chris.
I still have the 51 &52 of course.
I also have some items that were given s a Secret Santa a yr or so ago.

Chris,

Two really beautiful cards. Thanks!

1951WheatiesPremium

Always liked this one...
https://youtu.be/mmsxVn_B39A

BigTex22

Okay, wiping the drool off my mouth. This thread should be renamed to “The Mantle ‘Flex’ Thread”!

Gilbey

I have this replica ring issued by Central bank of Oklahoma. Thought you might like it.

Gilbey

1951 Wheaties premium if this is something you would like for your collection pm me your address and I'll be happy to send it to you.

1951WheatiesPremium

@Gilbey - Just saw this…

Yes! I’d love it!

Got some cards back this week so here’s a updated look at the Topps run…I try for the best eye appeal I can get because, frankly, high grade is pretty much not an option. Always preferred centering to corners but allowances are made at proper price points…

1951WheatiesPremium

This one came in today…

MantleMarisFordBerra

Some absolute stunners in this thread. Keep ‘em comin’!

1951WheatiesPremium

@Gilbey said:
1951 Wheaties premium if this is something you would like for your collection pm me your address and I'll be happy to send it to you.

I am often amazed by the kindness and generosity of our forum members.

@Gilbey - Thank you kindly - here’s a shot to let you know it made it safely and I am forever grateful.

Left to Right: Dave’s gifted ‘536’ ring box and ring, 1961 Manny’s Baseball Land signed), 1969 Topps card back, Mother’s Day Charm from the day of Mickey’s 500th HR, 1963 Exhibit Red Stats)

1951WheatiesPremium

Large group shots

Closeups

Let’s go Yankees!

Gilbey

@1951WheatiesPremium said:

@Gilbey said:

@Gilbey - Thank you kindly - here’s a shot to let you know it made it safely and I am forever grateful.

Tim it is my pleasure to help another collector(especially a yankee collector) expand their amazing collection. I am humbled to have given you something that will display in your collection. Keep em coming.

scmavl

I've owned most of Mick's cards over the years (still regret letting my '52T go), but this is one of the more unique items I have. From the collection of Mickey Lolich.

1951WheatiesPremium

@Gilbey said:

@1951WheatiesPremium said:

@Gilbey said:

@Gilbey - Thank you kindly - here’s a shot to let you know it made it safely and I am forever grateful.

Tim it is my pleasure to help another collector(especially a yankee collector) expand their amazing collection. I am humbled to have given you something that will display in your collection. Keep em coming.

The ring all by itself…

KendallCat

Great stuff guys. I got a late start collecting Mantle cards since I was lucky enough to pick up some stuff from him during my playing days when I met him. Guess better late than never. Had a fun time putting together a run of 50’s Mantle’s, and now I focus on a few years like 53 and 56 and try to find high end examples. Have a few I am bringing to Chicago to the National to try and trade up/move.

Piggs

Nice 50's SPORT magazine photos signed by the Mick in the 80's, Portland Oregon.

1951WheatiesPremium

These Mickey’s are back from California; while the cards are visible in the thread already they are now here inside plastic rectangles:

cpettimd

Pop 1

1951WheatiesPremium

New Mickey….

1951WheatiesPremium

Old Mickey, but new to the thread…

1951WheatiesPremium

While I’m not positive, I think the raw one’s slight difference makes it from 1951-1953. Again, the raw is new to the thread but not new to my collection and I’m also posting the other, SGC one for comparison:

Spot the difference?

1951WheatiesPremium

This one is new and the bloom is not yet off the rose. Sure it’s a low grade card - probably only fair to good, at best - but the signature is, in my opinion, legitimate, really sharp and very well placed. And it probably jumps to near the front of the sub pile because I’m a sucker for The Mick…

Anyone else want to liven up the thread!?!??

More Mickey’s please!!!!

1951WheatiesPremium

Another nice off grade scoop…

1961 Phillies Cigar Premium Photo - Mickey Mantle

UFFDAH

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I like all his stuff but I wanted to provide an updated group shot of the Topps Base Plus portion of my Mickey’s…

…enjoy!

1951WheatiesPremium

Updating with a beat up card from 1956 and a Type I photo from Sports Illustrated, circa 1957.

1956 Topps #135 Mickey Mantle

Type I Photo - Sports Illustrated, June 17, 1957

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1961 Manny’s Baseball Land- Mickey Mantle

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Found this copy and while I think it has been trimmed of its border, it’s still somehow the full 8x10 size and still looks pretty good despite only being Poor/Authentic:

1950-70 Rawlings Advisory Staff - Mickey Mantle (Waist Up, Road Uniform)

Adding: I say think because there is some variation to the size and paper to these. They were issued over a 20 year period and subtle variations can help pin down the years. However, there is usually at least some white border with these so I’m guessing it was cut down to fit in the scrapbook from which it was removed.

bswhiten

Hey Tim, this is the older of the two varieties of that Rawlings premium. Two auto variations.

1951WheatiesPremium

Two newer scoops…

1962 Topps #200 Mickey Mantle

…and…

1951WheatiesPremium

@bswhiten said:
Hey Tim, this is the older of the two varieties of that Rawlings premium. Two auto variations.

Thank you for always being willing to share your immense knowledge; I really do appreciate it, Ben.

All the best,

Tim

1951WheatiesPremium

This is the current copy of this, quite sharp, that resides in my collection. A pretty tough find and an assuredly great pose.

1955-57 NY Yankees Picture Pack - Batting - Mickey Mantle