Proudly offered for consideration: 1958-60 Mickey Mantle Adirondack Professional Model Game Used Bat (1 of 2 known from this era) with a Ultra Rare Vintage Mickey Mantle Autograph, the only specimen with vintage autograph ever examined by MEARS. This bat dates to the 1958-60 period based on the style of the Adirondack centerbrand. This 113A model bat currently weighs 32.4 ounces and measures 35.5 inches in length.
This bat exhibits heavy use with ball marks present on both sides of the barrel with the bottom of the barrel exhibiting slightly more use than the top. This pattern of use is consistent with that of a switch hitter. The barrel of the bat has numerous cleat marks, which combined with the use on each side of the barrel account for an additional one point for player characteristics. All barrel stampings appear deep and in great visual condition.
Mantle has autographed this bat on the bottom of the barrel in a vintage blue ball point pen, which reads, "Best Wishes, Mickey Mantle". Using the only available writing instrument of the period, a ball point pen, Mantle inscribed this bat with a very strong signature, which would be rated a near 8. This vintage autograph accounts for an additional one point towards the grade of the bat, since we know with 100% certainty Mick held the bat in his hands while autographing this trophy piece of lumber.
To date, this is the only Mickey Mantle bat with a vintage autograph present within the MEARS Database. For those that enjoy additional documentation, while preparing this lot, MEARS uncovered within our research center a photograph, dated 1958, of Mantle holding a period white letter Adirondack bat, further proving his affinity for this manufacturer. We are not making the claim this is the same bat, but, confirming the fact he did prefer these white lettered beauties during the 1958 season.
Mantle was arguably one of the most popular players during the 1950's and 1960's being the biggest star on the biggest team in baseball, the New York Yankees, or if you prefer, the Bronx Bombers. It is the opinion of many collectors and I concur, that these flame burned finish bats with the beautiful white letters are among the most handsome bats from a pure visual standpoint than any bat ever made before or since. Add the monster vintage one of a kind autograph and the legendary stature of Mantle and the Yankees and you have one of the finest, both historically and for sheer beauty that one could ever hope to own. And for you Louisville only guys, your missing the boat as Mantle probably used as many Adirondacks as H&B's and these are head and shoulders above the Slugger models in looks. This bat has it all, icon Yankee player, highest grade possible, the best looking Mantle gamer to ever hit the market, dating to the 1950's and a vintage player era autograph. Try and beat that as this one is the Triple Crown of Mantle gamers.
This bat grades out at the MEARS A10 grade with five points for the base grade, three points for heavy use, one point for the player characteristics, one point for the vintage autograph, and no point deductions to mention.