[Frozen in Time]

Hi Guys,

I usually am able to resolve this type of thing on my own, but this time I really need your help. Recently won 3 second generation Mantle photos from Henry's (Yee) auction. All 3 appear to have been taken in the same relative time frame and at St. Petersburg, FL during Spring training. Mickey looks young (as usual, clearly early '50's)

In the bunting photo, the catcher's number appears to be 29 (which would make him Charlie Silvera '50-'56). In the right-hand MM swing photo you can make out two uniform numbers in the background (#26 and #52).

The only time those numbers were worn by players on the same Yankee team (during Mantle and Sivera's stay) was in 1951 - Tom Ferrick (#26) and Tom Morgan (#52), both pitchers and both 6 feet 2 inches in height, all of which would be consistent with the images in the photo.

Only problems of course are that the Yankees held Spring training camp in 1951 at Phoenix, Arizona not St. Petersburg, Florida. Also, no '51 patch on Mickey's left sleeve.

I thought it might possibly be 1950, supposedly Mantle made a brief appearance during Spring training that year as well as traveling with the team for 2 weeks in September but no one wore #52 in 1950.

So, from the numbers the best guess is 1951. Does anyone know if the Yankees briefly returned to St. Petersburg after their west coast trip at anytime during the '51 season or post season?

Thanks.

Cheers,

Craig