1958 Mickey Mantle New York Yankees Signed Game-Used Road Jersey - Home Run Champion! - MEARS

Sold For:

$120,000

Year:

1958

Auction:

2017 Fall

Lot #:

2023

Category:

Post-1900 Baseball Memorabilia

New York Yankees road jersey worn by Hall of Fame outfielder Mickey Mantle in 1958. Graded A7 by MEARS. This is only the second Mantle game-used jersey we have ever offered and the first dating from the 1950s. The gray flannel jersey is lettered "New York" across the front and features the number "7" on the reverse. All letters and numerals are appliquéd in navy felt. Mantle's name and the year, "Mantle 1958," are chain-stitched in blue upon a gray strip tag in the collar. A "Wilson 44" label is located on the left front tail. Mantle has signed the jersey in black Sharpie (grading "8") on the right breast. The "New York" lettering on the front has been restored, but aside from that, the jersey is original as issued, with no other alterations. Heavy wear is displayed throughout, but the jersey is beautifully preserved, with no noticeable stains or apparent tears. Mantle was firmly established as the premier player in the game as he entered the 1958 season, with that reputation burnished by his back-to-back MVP Awards in 1956 and 1957. Mantle continued to build upon his Hall of Fame resume in 1958 by leading the American League in home runs (42) runs (127), and bases on balls (129), while batting .304 and driving in 97 runs. Those numbers once again helped lead the Yankees to their sixth and final World Championship of the decade. As noted previously, the "New York" on the front has been restored, but, most important, the number "7" on the reverse is completely original and has not been altered in any way. The Yankees routinely sent jerseys down for use in the minors during the 1950s and 1960s; therefore, altered and/or restored jerseys are actually the rule, not the exception for this time period. We have seen probably fewer than six original and unaltered Mantle jerseys at auction in the past twenty years and only two that date from the 1950s. Mantle jerseys, especially those dating from the 1950s, have always been one of the most highly prized of all postwar Hall of Fame players and are seldom seen at auction. The offered example is a superb example and would be a highlight piece in any advanced Mickey Mantle, New York Yankees, or Hall of Fame jersey collection. Graded A7 by MEARS (base grade of 10, with 3 points deducted for the restored "New York" on the front). LOA from MEARS. Full LOAs (for the autograph only) from James Spence/JSA and Steve Grad and Brian Sobrero/Beckett Authentication. Reserve $50,000. Estimate $100,000+.