Your top finds for 2011

[MacDice]

Not vintage but by far my best. Game ticket to the debut of the first kid that I coached to make the show.

[John V]

Previously posted in the November pickup thread, this is easily my favorite find of the year.

[Jantz]

Peter - I just love the tuxedo buttons, especially with the T206s poses on them.

I don't pick up much as a far as memorabilia, but I stumbled across this at the National this year and couldn't pass it up.


Jantz

[mschwade]

Originally Posted by MacDice

Not vintage but by far my best. Game ticket to the debut of the first kid that I coached to make the show.

Congratulations! Was it Mason Tobin? I remember how happy I was when a high school teammate of mine made his Major League Debut back in 2004. I recorded the game to DVD and sent it to him at the stadium. Talked to him after the season and he was absolutely thrilled that I did that for him.

[David Atkatz]

I gotta admit it... I'm a sucker for signed snapshots.

[GKreindler]

David, you say that like it's a bad thing!!

G

[Frozen in Time]

Vintage, Original Type I photo of Mickey dated December 1950 and taken by Orrick Sparlin of Miami, Oklahoma, who covered Mantle exclusively in and around Commerce from 1950-52.

This iconic image (which has been reproduced in a countless number of publications) depicts the 19 year old Mick covered in grease and dust in front of Blue Goose Number One Mine at the Eagle-Picher Lead and Zinc Company where he was working 300 feet down repairing motors for the pump crew. Mickey was also waiting nervously to hear back from the Yankees regarding reporting to Spring Training in Phoenix - but he had no phone at home and Lee MacPhail, director of the farm system, did not know where he worked. Doesn't seem to be bothering him at this moment as indicated by that great smile.

In addition to the fantastic image, what I really like about this photo is the original frame which hung in the main office of Eagle-Picher with the inscription " An Employee of Eagle Picher before Employment by the New York Yankees"

A one of a kind pre-rookie photo of Mantle that sheds some light on what his future might have been had his Dad not been so determined that baseball was his destiny.

[canjond]

Originally Posted by David Atkatz

I gotta admit it... I'm a sucker for signed snapshots.

I agree David...



A few others from the year...

[ksfarmboy]

A couple of mine. A Wichita Indians flannel, 1978 Pirates jersey and Topeka postcard with Duff Cooley

[GoTigers]

Hello, I'm a new member here. But here are a few of my favorite finds of the year.

Travis Jackson 1923 Master bat- From the H&B archives via Left Field Collectables. Sidewritten 8-29-23 and confirmed in Vince Malta's book. This is from his rookie season and first order of bats from H&B.

jackson1.jpg

Pete Rose Gamer from 1979

rose2.jpg

Last but not least.. Ty Cobb 1905-1911 Decal bat. 34.5" long made to his exact spec's

cobb2.jpg
cobb1.jpg

[bcbgcbrcb]

Very cool Mantle photo.

[GKreindler]

Jon, that Cicotte auto is SICK. What lovely penmanship he had.

G

[Frozen in Time]

Vintage, original 1951 Acme NewsPictures Photo (negative #979672 with original slug) taken September 16 at Yankee Stadium with 19 year old Mantle facing Bob Feller. Mickey flied out this time but the Yankees won 5-1 to move back into first place. Catcher is Jim Hegan and Ump is Bill Summers.

Got this one in a large purchase from a NY City sports writer who covered all sports in the 1940's-50's. Just love it!!! Mickey's poised stance ready to uncoil, the 50th anniversary patch and rippling muscles in his left forearm are all great. But even better is the expression on Feller's face - ready to destroy!!!

As a new member to the forums this year, I just wanted to thank everyone for their kind and informative interactions and wish everybody a Happy Holiday Season and Joyous New Year!!!!!

Cheers,

Craig