Help with identifying year of photo

[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

[JoeyFarino]

[bobfreedman]

Is there any information on the backs?

[da-bullman]

Just an observation the catcher is wearing a patch cant tell from the post what it is, magnifier might help. I do have a picture of Mick taken in 1951 by Red Rolfe when he managed the Tigers Mickey Mantel 1951.jpg

[Frozen in Time]

Originally Posted by bobfreedman

Is there any information on the backs?

Hi Bob,

No info other than a stamp - Globe Photos and MM written in ink.

[Frozen in Time]

Originally Posted by da-bullman

Just an observation the catcher is wearing a patch cant tell from the post what it is, magnifier might help. I do have a picture of Mick taken in 1951 by Red Rolfe when he managed the Tigers Attachment 206870

Thanks Steve.

Yeah, can't get much clarity from the scan. I'll see if anymore is there when I receive the actual prints.

By the way, beautiful photo of Mickey and auto!!

Craig