This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/22/2019
Mickey Mantle was a legendary ballplayer whose complete body of work is that of a true Hall of Fame talent and deserving 500-home run member. Though a premier slugger while in his prime, his body began breaking down when he turned 30 years old, the inevitable consequence of a superstar who played the game of baseball hard and the game of life even harder. From 1962 to the end of his career in 1968, Mickey Mantle had trouble staying in the Yankees lineup, averaging just 369 at-bats per season. Even with his inconsistency getting in the lineup and his declining batting average, his 162 round-trippers over that span (a rate of one home run per 15.9 at bats) was in line with his power production over his entire career (one homer every 15.1 at bats). The featured bat is a Louisville Slugger model K55 that Mantle used in those final seasons of his storied career. Excellent game use is displayed in the form of ball, bat rack and cleat marks scattered along the barrel and a crack in the handle that has been repaired and the stick weighs approximately 31.5 oz. and measures roughly 35.5 inches in length. An amazing piece of history from one of baseball's most celebrated heroes! Authenticated by John Taube - PSA/DNA.