Expert Mantle opinions wanted! Fantasy camp or fantasy piece?

[JoeDfan]

Originally Posted by ooo-ribay

"You are a knucklehead" but I really enjoyed reading your story.

Seriously, though....who knows? Your explanation might hold water. Did I miss it or did you have a thought on who "Hop" might be?

I have no idea who "Hop" might be; but I plan on researching it.

To Ben's point, I do plan on searching the internet to find a picture; but until then, it is just a fantasy wall hanger...

Thanks everyone!

Sean

[Brandon554]

Howard "Hop" Cassady was a AAA coach and scout for the Yankees farm team, the Columbus Clippers. He also won a Heisman in 1955. I would start there

[JoeDfan]

Originally Posted by Brandon554

Howard "Hop" Cassady was a AAA coach and scout for the Yankees farm team, the Columbus Clippers. He also won a Heisman in 1955. I would start there

According to a NY Times article I just found, Cassady lives in Tampa, and has worked spring training for the Yankees since 1976. In uniform.

I also just bought a 1986 Brian Fisher Topps Tiffany card. While it is not definitive of course, I think the pinstripes pass through the "NY" very closely to my "Mantle". At least worthy of a closer look, I think.

Suddenly, I feel like this ridiculous story might not be as ridiculous as I first thought.
But of course, I am still a long way from Mick.

[JoeDfan]

Also, according to Keith Olbermann on his blog, Mantle was barred from MLB activities after 1983 for his affiliation with an Atlantic City Casino. He was not allowed to return as a spring training coach until March of 1985. While this certainly doesn't connect Mantle with my jersey, the timing of his return to spring training matches the time frame I am looking for.

[Fballguy]

Fortune favors the bold. I've bought items on a hunch before. Doesn't always pay off..but when it does it does. Curious to see how this plays out. You're off to a good start.

[JoeDfan]

So I got back from camping to find two cool things in the mailbox today.

1) A 1986 Topps Tiffany Brian Fisher card (I presumed that '86 cards might have '85 photos?). After looking at his jersey under the scope, and comparing it to close up photos of my "Mantle", I would say that I am actually fairly confident that it is, in fact, the same jersey.

2) An old Phillip-Morris magazine that had an article about Mick's fantasy camp. I also got some more information to add to my puzzle. Here is what the jersey is apparently NOT: It is NOT a jersey that was issued to a fantasy "player". According to the magazine, incoming "players" were issued their own uniforms, and not surprisingly, there was a photo of the lockers, all with #7 jerseys (didn't ANYONE want Whitey's number???). However, by total coincidence, I happened to see an exemplar from the camp on Monday, and after reading the article, realized what it was today. "Campers" got new jerseys with their names embroidered in them. So that does not match mine.

So, (and please feel free to chime and and refute anything I write); I do not yet have a real* Mick, but I think I have made more progress. This is really turning into a fun project.

*real = Mick wore it, walked by it, or was in the same room with it. Or maybe the same stadium. Also, I think if the jersey was washed in the same machine, that would also count.

[ooo-ribay]

If the campers got brand new jerseys, I wouldn't think the head honcho would be wearing a hand-me-down (x2).