1953 Mickey Mantle Original Associated Press Photograph PSA/DNA Type I - With Famous 565 Ft. Home Run Ball!

Sold For:

$1,560

Year:

1953

Auction:

2024 Summer

Lot #:

2579

Category:

Original Photography

Original news photo capturing Mickey Mantle holding the ball that he hit for his historic 565-foot "tape-measure" home run in a game against the Washington Senators on April 17, 1953. Encapsulated and certified as an original Type I photograph by PSA/DNA (a corresponding sticker affixed to the reverse). The epic blast, served up by Senators pitcher Chuck Stobbs in the top of the fifth inning, cleared the 50-foot left-field wall and just kept going, eventually landing in the backyard of a house on 434 Oakdale Street. Following the game Yankees' publicist Arthur "Red" Patterson, recognizing a great opportunity when he saw it, calculated the distance at 565 feet, thereby coining the phrase "tape-measure" home run, even though no one actually measured the distance covered by the ball. Even though current historians dispute the exact number of feet the ball traveled through the air, there was no doubt it was one of the longest home runs anyone had ever seen, thereby forever preserving its lofty spot in the annals of baseball lore. The original paper news caption, dated "4/17/53," appears on the reverse as well as a newspaper clipping, a date stamp, and a number of editorial notations. The photo (7 x 9 inches) is scored on the upper-left, has moderate creasing, and light toning in the lower-left. In Fair condition overall. Opening Bid $300.