Summer Premium Live and Catalog Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/27/2017
Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris, aka “The M&M Boys” were known for their 1961 season that saw the teammates’ battle back and forth for Babe Ruth’s seemingly at the time, unbreakable record of 60 home runs in a single season. Despite Commissioner Ford Fricke’s stance that the record had to be broken in 154 games, the same amount the Ruth played in to recognize the record (since 1961 was the first season that the schedule was increased to 162 games), Maris would eventually break Ruth’s record with 61 home runs in the final game of the season in game 162 at Yankee Stadium. Mantle finished not too far behind with 54 home runs while having to nurse an injury towards the end of the season .
Both Mantle and Maris have signed their names on this Official American League Lee MacPhail baseball. Mantle’s MINT 9 signature has been boldly signed across the sweet spot in blue pen. Maris’ GEM MINT 10 signature appears on the panel above Mantle’s signature and is also penned in blue ink. The ball itself is in good shape with only slight toning present and the commissioner’s stamp being faded, but still readable. The ball has been sealed by PSA/DNA in a holder with Maris’ signature being graded a GEM MINT 10 and Mantle’s signature graded a MINT 9. The ball itself was graded a 7 and an overall grade of 8. One of the finest Mantle/Maris dual signed baseballs ever offered at auction ant this item comes with a full LOA from PSA/DNA (AC01310).