Mickey Mantle 1953 World Series Bat Up for Auction

A piece of baseball history is making waves in the sports memorabilia world as a game-used bat from Mickey Mantle’s legendary 1953 World Series performance hits the auction block at Heritage Auctions. This bat, more than just a piece of equipment, carries a remarkable backstory that adds to its allure.

The tale goes back to the early months of 1954, when Mantle, along with fellow baseball stars Allie Reynolds and Bobby Morgan, graced the Oklahoma City YMCA Junior Baseball banquet. It was a gathering where Mantle’s cherished bat became one of the prized possessions at the event. The lucky recipient was young Robert Nance, who secured the bat by excelling as one of the top ticket sellers for the banquet.

This K55 model bat boasts a length of 35.5 inches and a weight just shy of 34 ounces, and it has been authenticated and graded PSA/DNA GU 10 for its exceptional condition and unquestionable legitimacy. What sets this bat apart is Mantle’s personal connection to it; he personally informed Nance that this very bat was in his hands during the 1953 World Series, pointing out the distinct paint streaks left by the Yankee Stadium dugout. This bat witnessed Mantle’s memorable performance, including two home runs against the Dodgers, with one of them being his lone postseason grand slam that contributed to the Yankees’ fifth consecutive World Series triumph.

The bat’s authenticity is further solidified by a letter from Nance recounting the moment Mantle handed the bat to him, infusing the item with a touch of personal history that enhances its overall significance. Additionally, bat expert John Taube from PSA/DNA has verified the bat’s use in 1953 by cross-referencing it with factory ordering records. The bat’s exceptional condition, adorned with numerous ball marks, stitch impressions, and blue rack streaks, speaks volumes about its storied past.

Described by Heritage Auctions as “unquestionably one of the finest Mantle bats ever to appear on the hobby’s auction block,” this item presents bidders with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of sports history. The auction is set to conclude on Friday, May 17, with the anticipated price soaring well into six figures due to the significant historical and sentimental value attached to this iconic bat.

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