A piece of sporting history is set to make waves in the auction world as a game-used bat from the legendary Mickey Mantle’s performance in the 1953 World Series goes up for bidding at Heritage Auctions. This isn’t just any bat – it comes with a tale as intriguing as its on-field achievements, having been awarded at a youth baseball banquet in Oklahoma City back in the 1950s.
The bat’s story unfolds in the early months of 1954, during an Oklahoma City YMCA Junior Baseball banquet attended by Mantle, alongside his teammate Allie Reynolds and Brooklyn Dodgers pitcher Bobby Morgan. At the event, young attendee Robert Nance found himself the lucky recipient of Mantle’s bat after proving to be one of the top ticket sellers.
Crafted in a K55 model, the bat stands at 35.5 inches and weighs just under 34 ounces, boasting a remarkable condition that led to it being graded PSA/DNA GU 10 for its authenticity. Its significance is further elevated by Mantle himself, who personally informed Nance that this very bat had been in action during the 1953 World Series, showcasing paint streaks from the Yankee Stadium dugout. Mantle’s remarkable performance with this bat included hitting two homers against the Dodgers, one of which was a grand slam, aiding the Yankees in securing their fifth consecutive World Series title.
Adding an intimate touch to its historical value is a heartfelt letter from Nance detailing the moment Mantle handed him the bat. Further solidifying its authenticity, PSA/DNA bat expert John Taube has delved into factory ordering records to confirm its use in the 1953 season, noting its exceptional condition marked by numerous 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 presents bidders with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a unique slice of sports history. The auction is set to conclude on Friday, May 17, with experts expecting the price to soar well into the six figures, reflecting both its significant historical importance and sentimental value to baseball enthusiasts and collectors alike.
