This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/3/2015
As a rookie in 1951, Mickey Mantle immediately left the impression that he was going to be a superstar. Although the Yankees missed the World Series in 1955, the next year would be Mantle’s crowning 1956 Triple Crown season.
MEARS Auctions is excited to offer the following lot:
1955 Mickey Mantle New York Yankees H&B Louisville Slugger Professional Model Game Used Bat (MEARS A9)
MEARS completed a review of this Mantle bat, the results:
Dating: Per the MEARS Official Bat Centerbrand guide, this bat dates to the 1951-60 era. Examination of Mantle’s personal bat records pinpoints this bat to an order on 9/8/55.
Model K55: Once Mantle signed his contract with H&B, the K55 was the first model of bat sent to Mantle. H&B records show that the K55 model was shipped to Mantle during 1950, 1953, and 1955.
Length: Bat measures 35". H&B factory records verify Mantle ordered this length during the 1950's and the bat was specifically listed as ordered at the 35" length in the K55 model on 9/8/55.
Weight: The bat currently weighs 31.3 ounces. That weight would be consistent with the 9/8/55 Mantle order listed at 30/31 ounces.
Use: Bat contains use on both sides of the barrel, consistent with a switch hitter. The lightweight 31.3 ounces is consistent with orders Mantle requested while batting from the left side of the plate. The fact that Mantle ordered two bats, one heavy, 36-ounce for the right side of the plate, and an approximate 32 ounce bat from the left side. Additional use is found by an 8” area of deadwood, compressed grain, and 14 ball marks. Below barrel there is grain compression, distinct but not as defined. TP is stamped on the knob, the reason and attribution is unknown.
Final Grade (MEARS A9): A base grade of 5 points was assigned for bat matching factory records. 3 points for heavy game use. Plus one point for use on both sides of the barrel, a Mantle player trait. Plus ½ for pinpoint record. Minus ½ for stamp on knob.
(77E0376)
LOA Troy Kinunen / MEARS