A truly remarkable piece of baseball history is making its way to the auction block at Heritage Auctions. It’s none other than a game-used bat wielded by none other than the legendary Mickey Mantle during the 1953 World Series. This is not just any bat; its journey from the hands of Mantle to a young prize winner adds an extra layer of charm and significance to its already illustrious past.
Picture yourself back in early 1954, at the Oklahoma City YMCA Junior Baseball banquet. Among the star-studded guests were Mantle himself, alongside Allie Reynolds and Bobby Morgan. It was there that Mantle’s trusty bat became a coveted prize, set to find a new home with a lucky young attendee named Robert Nance, who had showcased exceptional ticket-selling skills during the event.
The bat in question, a K55 model measuring 35.5 inches and weighing just under 34 ounces, has been meticulously graded PSA/DNA GU 10 for its top-notch condition and undeniable authenticity. What sets this bat apart is Mantle’s personal touch; he proudly revealed to Nance that this very bat had accompanied him during the 1953 World Series, with paint streaks from the Yankee Stadium dugout serving as tangible evidence of its on-field action. This historic piece witnessed Mantle’s stellar performance, including two home runs against the Dodgers, one of which was a grand slam – a crucial contribution to the Yankees’ fifth consecutive World Series win.
The bat comes with a letter from Nance, recounting the heartfelt moment when Mantle handed over this prized possession, infusing the bat with a touch of personal history. Further authentication comes from bat expert John Taube, who combed through factory records to confirm its use in 1953. Its remarkable condition, marked by an array of ball marks, stitch impressions, and blue rack streaks, solidifies its place as a true relic of baseball’s golden era.
Described by Heritage Auctions as “unquestionably one of the finest Mantle bats ever to appear on the hobby’s auction block,” this piece of sporting memorabilia is poised to attract fierce bidding until the auction’s close on Friday, May 17. Anticipated to fetch a price well into six figures, this bat represents not just a piece of baseball history, but a gateway to the legendary legacy of one of the game’s most iconic figures.
