This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/29/2019
Mickey Mantle was the face and primary force of the Yankees as they ruled baseball throughout 1950s. If there ever was a need for parity in the majors, the American League of the 1950's was it. The Yankees won eight AL pennants throughout the decade, taking the World Series six times, including four in a row from 1950-53 and again in 1956 and 1958. Mantle became a genuine superstar in 1956 when he won baseball's Triple Crown, with a .353 batting average, 52 home runs, and 130 RBIs. He was also selected the American League's MVP.
On the heels of Mantle’s historic 1956 campaign, the Yankees secured the services of their biggest star with the execution of this offered contract. The official uniform player's contract originates from the personal collection of the Mantle family, having entered the hobby through the famous 2003 Mickey Mantle Estate Auction. The standard four-page contract lists Mickey’s home as "Commerce, Oklahoma," and stipulates a salary of $60,000. Mantle’s period signature appears on page three along with that of general manager and fellow Hall of Famer Lee MacPhail. All signatures rate 9/10. The contract itself exhibits typical folds but no other notable condition faults. The Yankees investment in Mantle paid off as he hit .365 in 1957 and was again named the league MVP. Includes letter from Mantle family and LOAs from PSA/DNA and JSA.