October Legends Closing October 29
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/30/2016
The flowing signature and inscription of a mature Mickey Mantle adorn the top margin of this issue of The New York Times, dated April 21, 1951. His strong, ballpoint penmanship reads, "Best Wishes - Mickey Mantle," and exhibits superb clarity against its uniformly aged newsprint environment. The selection of this particular issue of the Times for Mantle's attention was an astute one. On that Saturday in 1951, The Mick was a 19-year-old rookie, who had made his debut in the big leagues just four days prior. On the twenty-first, specifically, the Yankees faced the Senators at Washington and won, 8-7. Mantle went two for four with an RBI two-bagger and a walk before being replaced in right field by Cliff Mapes in the bottom of the eighth. So, even though this paper's headlines are focused on the triumphant return of Gen. Douglas MacArthur, fans of Mickey Mantle will recognize the true significance of the date: it was the day their young hero collected his very first Major League double. Attractively matted and framed. LOA from JSA (Y98556).