This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/14/2024
In 1957, Mickey Mantle was voted the American League MVP, the second of three such awards (1956, 1962) he won in his eighteen-year career. Only Joe DiMaggio, Jimmie Foxx, and Yogi Berra stand with Mantle as having earned the American League's highest individual honor three times. This plaque was created in commemoration of The Mick's tremendous performance during the 1957 campaign. Since 1944, the award has been named after Kenesaw Mountain Landis, whose visage appears above the inscription "Most Valuable Player American League 'Mickey Mantle' New York Yankees." The Baseball Writers Association of America crest and inscribed date (1957) complete the notations on the plaque. This is one of two identical awards produced by Dieges & Clust. Its twin was presented to Mantle and was sold as part of his estate at auction for $319,250. This exact duplicate version was originally retained by Dieges & Clust for display in their corporate headquarters where it hung until the company was bought by Balfour. The wood and metal MVP award represents the pinnacle of the career of a player who was idolized more than any other of his generation. In spite of a few minor nicks and scratches, the piece remains in excellent overall condition.