This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/23/2019
Mickey Charles Mantle broke through with the big club in 1951 and instantly became a crowd pleaser in the Bronx with his flashy glove in centerfield and raw switch-hitting power. From 1952 until his final season in ’68, the Commerce Comet was an All-Star every year but one, winning three A.L. MVP awards, the Triple Crown and seven World Series titles with the Yanks. Presented here is Mantle’s game-worn cap that dates to the mid-1960’s with documented provenance from teammate Gil Blanco. Injuries began to take their toll beginning in 1963, yet Mantle was able to hit 35 homers with 111 RBI in 1964 to finish second in MVP voting and earned another All-Star nod in ’65.
The classic navy cap is properly tagged by Tim McAuliffe with the manufacturing label sewn inside the rear. The leather sweatband is stamped “Pro KM Cap” and size “7-3/8” which is consistent with Mantle’s hat size during the latter part of this career. The break in the brim is also consistent with documented Mantle gamers. The hat exhibits moderate to heavy wear throughout. There are a few punctures on the wool exterior along with fraying to the stitching and some sweat stains. The internal sweatband is fully intact with very light cracking from perspiration. The green underside of the bill is signed by Mantle in 8/10 blue marker with his number “7” inscribed. Just above, an additional "7" is handwritten in black pen by longtime equipment Pete Sheehy. According to the LOA from Blanco, he asked for Mantle’s cap following the ’65 season and The Mick “happily complied.” Includes full LOA from Beckett for Mantle's autograph and #7 inscription (A07756).