Let's see your interesting Mickeys

[thenavarro]

Despite there being a million (have no idea how many, just a hyperbole on my part) Mickey Mantle autographs in the hobby, they still are very popular and fun to collect and have remained a hobby staple. Let's see some of your more interesting ones. Here's a few of mine.

This one is a 1953-ish era (I think) signature that came out of a Yankees signed autograph album, just had it slabbed today:

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab239/thenavarro/img321_zpsbw1fv2sk.jpg

This one is a 1953-ish era ( think) signature that was in someone's scrapbook and the page was originally in Sport magazine I believe.

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab239/thenavarro/img066_zps7caf377b.jpg

This one is a printed address that Mickey filled out and gave to a photographer in 1977 that had some photos that Mickey wanted him to send to him, just had it slabbed today:

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab239/thenavarro/img320_zpsnud8zffu.jpg

I had a Mantle signed book that was PSA/DNA authenticated, but decided to make something fun out of it, so I cut the sig out (aghast, I cut a book LOL, if I can't have fun in this hobby, I wouldn't be in it) and printed a typescript around it. It's the text of a questionnaire that he supposedly filled out in response to a request from the Yankees concerning a special event they were having regarding Yankee Stadium:

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab239/thenavarro/img1473_zps91a4f5c1.jpg

[rsn1661]

I had a bad day at work today, 50 degrees out with no sun, 2 funerals to do and I was working my day off. I thought today was wasted then read the questionnaire. I have been smiling for the last 10 minutes. Thanks for the laugh!

[Econteachert205]

Omg how can you not like mick lol

[thenavarro]

I had a bad day at work today, 50 degrees out with no sun, 2 funerals to do and I was working my day off. I thought today was wasted then read the questionnaire. I have been smiling for the last 10 minutes. Thanks for the laugh!

Awesome! That's what this hobby should be about.

M

[dapro]

I'll share my Mick collection.

Single signed ball.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v260/jgtdragon/Sports%20Memorabilia/Mantle1.jpg

1960 world series signed ball by both clubs and Mick and Bill on the sweet spot.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v260/jgtdragon/Sports%20Memorabilia/1960worldseriesteamsball3.jpg

Here are couple single signed balls.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v260/jgtdragon/Sports%20Memorabilia/IMAG0355.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v260/jgtdragon/Sports%20Memorabilia/mick.jpg

Here is one he signed on the sweet spot on a multi-signed ball with Warren Spahn, Lou Burdette, and Yogi Berra.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v260/jgtdragon/Sports%20Memorabilia/IMAG0271.jpg

[thenavarro]

DAPro,

that's a cool 60 ball.

Mike

[Lordstan]

Mid 1960s newspaper photo signed by three greats. All vintage 1960's signatures.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v222/lordstan/Lou/MusialMantledimaggio.jpg

[thenavarro]

That's a great newspaper photo. Would be neat to find out if that young man kept and still has those graphs.

[itjclarke]

I never get tired of that right field bleachers story. How great would it be to find the actual questionnaire he filled out.

I have a really cool minor league Mantle sig but no pics. Back in 1950 my dad got a ball signed by Joplin Miners and Enid Giants, with the Mick on the sweet spot. My dad was 13 at the time, living in Enid and idolized the young Mantle and fellow Oklahoman. He kept it stashed away for 50+ years and then handed it down to me.

If I remember, I'll take a pic next time I'm at my safe deposit box. Until then, here are my others Micks.

[David Atkatz]

Mickey signed this for me outside Yankee Stadium on August 28, 1966.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j245/datkatz/mantles.jpg (http://s82.photobucket.com/user/datkatz/media/mantles.jpg.html)

[djson1]

Mickey signed this for me outside Yankee Stadium on August 28, 1966.

David, that is one awesome signed Mick ball. I always love that shade of blue ink contrasting on the ball. Really nice.

[Mr. Zipper]

David, that is one awesome signed Mick ball. I always love that shade of blue ink contrasting on the ball. Really nice.

Ditto. Beautiful even toning and a signature that explodes within contrast.

[jimjim]

Thought I would add to this thread...

Although not a rare autograph, I have always loved this photo of Mickey. I used to stare at pictures of the 1952 Topps card and curse my Grandmother for throwing away my Dad's baseball cards. Finally was able to add one (not the baseball card!) to my collection.

http://i1117.photobucket.com/albums/k588/jimjim1975/mantle52_zpssqkw2sxe.jpg (http://s1117.photobucket.com/user/jimjim1975/media/mantle52_zpssqkw2sxe.jpg.html)

[thetruthisoutthere]

Very enjoyable thread.

Nice posts guys.

I'll post some of mine later.

[Lordstan]

A couple of Sport Mags.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v222/lordstan/Sport%20Magazine/Sport195304c.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v222/lordstan/Sport%20Magazine/Sport195505a.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v222/lordstan/Sport%20Magazine/Sport195507a.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v222/lordstan/Sport%20Magazine/Sport195610.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v222/lordstan/Sport%20Magazine/Sport195710a.jpg

[thetruthisoutthere]

One of my Mickey Mantle autographed baseballs.



183748

[thetruthisoutthere]

Mickey signed this for me outside Yankee Stadium on August 28, 1966.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j245/datkatz/mantles.jpg (http://s82.photobucket.com/user/datkatz/media/mantles.jpg.html)

Very nice, David.

[thetruthisoutthere]

A couple of Sport Mags.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v222/lordstan/Sport%20Magazine/Sport195304c.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v222/lordstan/Sport%20Magazine/Sport195505a.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v222/lordstan/Sport%20Magazine/Sport195507a.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v222/lordstan/Sport%20Magazine/Sport195610.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v222/lordstan/Sport%20Magazine/Sport195710a.jpg

Mark, very impressive collection.

[w7imel]

Very nice, David.

David that is a very cool ball!!! How old were you when you got that signed? Must have been a great day in life for sure!!

[David Atkatz]

David that is a very cool ball!!! How old were you when you got that signed? Must have been a great day in life for sure!!I had just turned 15.

[earlywynnfan]

Mine is painted, of course, but unfortunately the sig has faded a little. (the spots are on the cube, not the ball.)

Ken

[David Atkatz]

Ditto. Beautiful even toning and a signature that explodes within contrast.Thanks, Jason, Steve, Chris. Some of that "toning" is just plain old dirt--My fifteen-year-old self handled that ball quite a bit. It's an OAL Cronin ball, BTW.

[dapro]

Mickey signed this for me outside Yankee Stadium on August 28, 1966.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j245/datkatz/mantles.jpg (http://s82.photobucket.com/user/datkatz/media/mantles.jpg.html)

The ink pops out at you. Very nice, David!

[Lordstan]

Mark, very impressive collection.

Thanks Chris.

[billyb]

In the mid 1980s, about 1884 or 85 , I believe, a couple of dealer friends of mine were going to the National in Chicago and asked me if I wanted anything signed by Mantle. I grabbed an old Mantle MM4 model glove I had recently picked up and let them take it to Chicago. They came back with Mick's Auto, but it was not easy to read. They said he took his time signing the glove, actually taking a few moments trying to decided what color felt marker to sign the glove with. Over the course of thirty years the ink has bled somewhat also. But I know he signed it and it stands out as one of my treasures.
I am afraid to clean the glove too much for fear of loosing what is left of the auto.

183808

183809

[Republicaninmass]

double printed, regular gum card with tape and paperloss



http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j46/teddytouch7239/For%20Sale%20or%20Trade/cards883_zps48lscu64.jpg

[thenavarro]

That's cool Ted,

Best one so far IMO


Mike

[Republicaninmass]

Thanks Mike,


I'm saving up for the final "e", since it looks like he missed it with the thick sharpie

Mantle Mantl

[timzcardz]

Pretty sure that this is my only one, so I guess that makes it my most interesting. :)

http://www.cal-lector.com/TimzCollection/1974_hof-Mantle-Ford-Bell-Conlon.jpg

[EldoEsq]

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n123/eldoesq/BB%20Cards/20141219_142057_zpsku15zlan.jpg (http://s111.photobucket.com/user/eldoesq/media/BB%20Cards/20141219_142057_zpsku15zlan.jpg.html)

My sole Mantle...the only time I could have got him was at a Hofstra show and had a choice between him and Sandy Koufax. As a good little boychik, I had to go with the Left Arm of G-d!

BTW...this mitt was bought for $1 by my mom at a garage sale in the 80's. She always had a keen eye for collectibles. Mitt also has a beautiful Yaz...

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n123/eldoesq/BB%20Cards/5160169f41ce48525ff0001f70636817_zps47b1b053.jpg (http://s111.photobucket.com/user/eldoesq/media/BB%20Cards/5160169f41ce48525ff0001f70636817_zps47b1b053.jpg.h tml)

[canjond]

1951 signed candid photo:

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/jon_canfield/Photo_zps114d9094.jpg (http://s82.photobucket.com/user/jon_canfield/media/Photo_zps114d9094.jpg.html)

Boarding Pass:

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j263/jon_canfield/Mantle_zpsaf093379.jpg (http://s82.photobucket.com/user/jon_canfield/media/Mantle_zpsaf093379.jpg.html)

[7nohitter]

Jon,

That signed candid is amazing. A young kid, with the stadium which he would eventually 'own' in the back!

Did you get the picture signed, or did you purchase it that way? Beautiful signature too!

[canjond]

Jon,

That signed candid is amazing. A young kid, with the stadium which he would eventually 'own' in the back!

Did you get the picture signed, or did you purchase it that way? Beautiful signature too!

Andrew-

Thanks for the kind words. I purchased the picture signed, and Graig Kreindler was able to help me date it to 1951 via the signage visible in the photo. The signature "style" is 1951-52, so signed well before my time (I'm 33).

Here's one other pretty cool early Mantle item. It's a 1951 GPC, postmarked the night before Mickey's first major league home run. Can't get more symbolic than that!

[thenavarro]

That GPC is pretty sweet.

[Runscott]

DAPro,

that's a cool 60 ball.

Mike

Yeah, that's quite an interesting signature.

[Runscott]

Mickey signed this for me outside Yankee Stadium on August 28, 1966.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j245/datkatz/mantles.jpg (http://s82.photobucket.com/user/datkatz/media/mantles.jpg.html)

Could you please put me in your will?

[pooh528]

My two favorite Mantles

1) Although i did not get it in person, always felt fortunate to find a photo personalized to my name

2) This has always been 1 of my 5 favorite cards in the hobby and love it signed by all 3

184046

184047

[Runscott]

The early Mantles are always interesting to see. I don't bother getting into this discussion any more, as the non-owners do not respond and it just creates hostile reactions from the owners, but I would like to see a discussion on early Mantle secretarials. As some have noted, the post-60's are pretty much the only ones that are forged, but there are a helluva lot of early 1950's secretarial signatures out there, and most are proudly displayed as authentic. Sucks to see that happening, as I'm sure they are expensive, but it's going to keep happening if we refuse to discuss it.

[Lordstan]

Scott,
Can you show an example of an early Mantle secretarial?
Mark

[eastonfalcon19]

One of my favorite Mantle pieces in my collection.

[packs]

Not a super esoteric item but I bought this 1958 Sport magazine out of a bargain bin at a Gloria Rothstein show circa 1995. It was from one of those guys who used to set up with the cardboard boxes full of random signed magazines and photos. I was only 10 or 11 when I picked this beauty out. I had a pretty good eye even then and before authentication existed.

Still trying to forgive myself for the JSA sticker:

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m294/madjams/Mickeysig.jpg

[jimjim]

I grew up in Dallas, and Mickey's house literally backed up to the place I went to Sunday School. At least that was the house that he 'lived with his wife', although by the late 1980's he might have moved out. I never had the nerve to walk up and ring the doorbell, as I was about 13 at the time. Luckily, there was a local live sports radio interview show that was recorded at a Tony Roma's in my neighborhood. Their inaugural guest was Mickey Mantle, and I had just started collecting baseball cards at the time. I remember my Dad picking me up from school and taking me over to the restaurant a couple hours before the 7 pm start time. We were one of the last to get a table and we camped out for the show to start. Mickey showed up a little before the show started, sat down, and some of us got in line hoping he would sign. I had the below picture that I think I purchased at an amusement park earlier in the year. I brought a fine point felt tip pen, as I didn't know about sharpies at the time. Luckily, Mickey had his own black sharpie and signed one free autograph for everyone in line. I don't remember the line being very long, and most of the people just sat at their tables waiting for the show to start. He signed my picture and I moved along. My Dad didn't even get anything signed!

I do remember the interview and Mickey told all of the stories that made it into his books over the years. The thing I remember most is the way he told a story, as if it was the first time he had ever told it. It was really a great time. A few months later the same show had a rookie football player named Troy Aikman and some guy named Roger Staubach on the show. I was able to get both of them to sign a football for me. I think I was one of the only ones to ask for an autograph that night. Boy have times changed!!

I always wanted to complete the picture but Ted and Joe rarely made it to the Dallas area. I didn't have the nerve to send it in the mail and pay the mail-in fee to an out of state show, as I was afraid I wouldn't get it back and the autograph fees for those two guys were pretty steep for a 13-15 year old in those days!

Here is a link to an interview article I found about Mickey that mentions the interview show and was written in 1988. It is a nice read about Mickey.

http://www.dmagazine.com/publications/d-magazine/1988/june/the-last-hero

http://i1117.photobucket.com/albums/k588/jimjim1975/mickjoeted_zpsceevszsc.jpg (http://s1117.photobucket.com/user/jimjim1975/media/mickjoeted_zpsceevszsc.jpg.html)

[khkco4bls]

here are my Indian Head spikes signed by mantle in 90,91. bought as a Christmas gift from my wife in 92 from the national pastime store in Cooperstown.can't figure out why my pictures are upside down

[Sophiedog]

The early Mantles are always interesting to see. I don't bother getting into this discussion any more, as the non-owners do not respond and it just creates hostile reactions from the owners, but I would like to see a discussion on early Mantle secretarials. As some have noted, the post-60's are pretty much the only ones that are forged, but there are a helluva lot of early 1950's secretarial signatures out there, and most are proudly displayed as authentic. Sucks to see that happening, as I'm sure they are expensive, but it's going to keep happening if we refuse to discuss it.

I think this a great discussion Scott! There are a lot of fake Mantles from the 1950's around. There are lots of collectors "proudly displaying"their 50's Mantle signatures as real and they are not; and they all seem to come with a story of how they were acquired...(from the people selling them as real) I met Mantle in the hotel lobby back in 1951...or...I saw him playing golf and got this signed in 1953. There are real ones as well but you have to do your research as his signature changed a lot through the years. Team baseballs from 1958 on are almost non exsistant from what I've read from 1958 on as Mantle had someone sign for him...All Star balls are almost all signed by Mantle because his signer wasn't available.
What do others think?

[Sophiedog]

Any thoughts?

[mcgwirecom]

Not mine but saw this a while back. Forget where but that Mick would write just about anything...

[JoeDfan]

My only Mick autograph, on a 1957 team ball. Until I buy another one, that is!

[Runscott]

I think this a great discussion Scott! There are a lot of fake Mantles from the 1950's around. There are lots of collectors "proudly displaying"their 50's Mantle signatures as real and they are not; and they all seem to come with a story of how they were acquired...(from the people selling them as real) I met Mantle in the hotel lobby back in 1951...or...I saw him playing golf and got this signed in 1953. There are real ones as well but you have to do your research as his signature changed a lot through the years. Team baseballs from 1958 on are almost non exsistant from what I've read from 1958 on as Mantle had someone sign for him...All Star balls are almost all signed by Mantle because his signer wasn't available.
What do others think?

Never going to happen.

[feano1]

This is my only Mick, but one of my favorites though and hard to find


185028

[Duluth Eskimo]

No one is biting yet

[itjclarke]

I mentioned this ball earlier in the thread and was at my bank today, so decided to take and post some pics (please pardon the crappy images, phone cam and poor lighting).

This was signed during Mantle's monster 1950 season in Joplin. Not too much styling back then, and definitely no loopy M's yet.

[almostdone]

I mentioned this ball earlier in the thread and was at my bank today, so decided to take and post some pics (please pardon the crappy images, phone cam and poor lighting).

This was signed during Mantle's monster 1950 season in Joplin. Not too much styling back then, and definitely no loopy M's yet.

Very nice ball. I see the 52 Topps in the background. Makes me curious what else is stashed away at the bank.:rolleyes:
Drew

[itjclarke]

Very nice ball. I see the 52 Topps in the background. Makes me curious what else is stashed away at the bank.:rolleyes:
Drew

Ha, I don't even know if I could list the contents anymore. There's a lifetime worth of collecting stuffed into that box. I feel pretty safe keeping the bulk of my biggies there, but do rotate 1 or 2 out at a time, and always keep a few favorites nearby to get my nightly fix. If you wanna take a peak, my avatar is my safe deposit box.

Re- my Mantle ball, I'd be curious, does anyone have an idea as to market value? I don't plan to ever ever sell it, and don't have illusions as to its being incredibly valuable, but do wonder what it might bring at auction. I feel the other players' sigs (Joplin and Enid players) should pretty definitively date it as a minor league Mantle sig, and figure those may be relatively scarce.

[Sophiedog]

Ha, I don't even know if I could list the contents anymore. There's a lifetime worth of collecting stuffed into that box. I feel pretty safe keeping the bulk of my biggies there, but do rotate 1 or 2 out at a time, and always keep a few favorites nearby to get my nightly fix. If you wanna take a peak, my avatar is my safe deposit box.

Re- my Mantle ball, I'd be curious, does anyone have an idea as to market value? I don't plan to ever ever sell it, and don't have illusions as to its being incredibly valuable, but do wonder what it might bring at auction. I feel the other players' sigs (Joplin and Enid players) should pretty definitively date it as a minor league Mantle sig, and figure those may be relatively scarce.

I wouldn't be surprised if one or two of the major auction houses ask about the ball to be featured in one of their auctions. I think it's the type of item that can show some real interest with the super high end collectors. I can't remember ever seeing a pre 1951 Mantle ball.

[itjclarke]

I wouldn't be surprised if one or two of the major auction houses ask about the ball to be featured in one of their auctions. I think it's the type of item that can show some real interest with the super high end collectors. I can't remember ever seeing a pre 1951 Mantle ball.

Wow, I guess I'd always figured more of these had survived since it was not all that long ago, but now am realizing how uncommon these pre 1951 Mantle sigs are. I received a link to a Miners team signed ball (thanks Andrew) that sold for about $21K back in 2007. Aside from that, I can't find another verifiable/dated minor league Mantle ball. There was a really nice autographed team photo that sold about a year ago in I think Legendary, and there's reference on line to an Independence signed ball, but aside from that I found nothing.

My dad's ball is a little different than the other signed balls. I looked up all the other players, and all are Enid Giants. I'll have to ask my dad about how he gathered them all... now think he maybe got the other Enid players throughout the season, then went to the Miners game specifically to see Mantle and get his autograph when he came to town... rather than getting all sigs at once. This being said, many of the Enid players only played there for a year or two, and it would seem all their sigs combined with Mantle's younger style sig would still pretty firmly date the ball, same as if signed by other Miners.

This being said, I have no idea why I'm trying to explain how to "date" this ball?!?!:confused: All I need to know is--- my dad got it from Mantle in person at an Enid Giants game in 1950, and I'm never selling it.. nuff said!!:D

[JoeDfan]

Been working on a deal with a friend for a while now.
An early Mickey signature. It was even all professionally framed when I got it.

[bnorth]

Been working on a deal with a friend for a while now.
An early Mickey signature. It was even all professionally framed when I got it.

That is a awesome piece. In case you forgot my birthday is tomorrow.:D

[JoeDfan]

Lol.