A snapshot of baseball history is up for auction at Heritage Auctions—a bat that was wielded by the legendary Mickey Mantle during the 1953 World Series. This isn’t just any bat; it comes with a charming backstory that makes it even more alluring to baseball enthusiasts and collectors.
Back in early 1954, Mantle, alongside his teammate Allie Reynolds and Brooklyn Dodgers pitcher Bobby Morgan, made an appearance at the Oklahoma City YMCA Junior Baseball banquet. During this event, which was a part of the off-season activities for these players in their hometowns, Mantle’s bat became a coveted prize. It was young attendee Robert Nance who ended up with the bat, having been one of the top ticket sellers for the banquet.
The bat in question is a K55 model, measuring 35.5 inches in length and weighing just under 34 ounces. Graded as PSA/DNA GU 10 for its remarkable condition and authenticity, this bat holds immense significance due to Mantle’s personal connection to it. Mantle himself shared with Nance that he had used this very bat during the 1953 World Series, pointing out the evident paint streaks from the Yankee Stadium dugout. This bat witnessed some iconic moments, such as Mantle hitting two home runs against the Dodgers, with one of them being his only postseason grand slam, aiding the Yankees in clinching their fifth consecutive World Series title.
Further solidifying the bat’s provenance is a letter from Nance recounting the moment Mantle presented it to him, imparting an intimate touch to its historical value. Notably, PSA/DNA bat expert John Taube has authenticated the bat’s use in the 1953 season through factory ordering records, highlighting its exceptional condition embellished with an array of ball marks, stitch impressions, and blue rack streaks.
Described by Heritage Auctions as “unquestionably one of the finest Mantle bats ever to appear on the hobby’s auction block,” this item is attracting a flurry of attention from bidders eager to add this unique piece of sports history to their collection. The auction is set to close on Friday, May 17, with the price anticipated to soar well into six figures, reflecting its substantial historical and sentimental value that transcends mere memorabilia.