A piece of baseball history is making waves as a game-used bat from Mickey Mantle’s iconic 1953 World Series performance goes up for auction at Heritage Auctions. This isn’t just any bat—it’s a symbol of sporting greatness with a unique story behind it.
The tale goes back to a time when Mantle, together with Allie Reynolds and Bobby Morgan, graced the Oklahoma City YMCA Junior Baseball banquet in early 1954. The bat, a K55 model measuring 35.5 inches and weighing slightly under 34 ounces, was a prize at the event. Young baseball enthusiast Robert Nance was the lucky winner of this cherished piece.
Graded as PSA/DNA GU 10 for its impeccable condition and authenticity, the bat holds a special significance due to Mantle’s personal connection to it. He revealed to Nance that this very bat had been by his side during the 1953 World Series, evident from the paint streaks left by the Yankee Stadium dugout. In that series, Mantle’s exceptional performance included hitting two home runs against the Dodgers, including his only postseason grand slam, contributing to the Yankees’ fifth consecutive World Series victory.
The bat’s provenance is further solidified by a heartfelt letter from Nance recounting the moment Mantle handed it over to him, infusing a personal touch into its already illustrious historical value. Expert John Taube from PSA/DNA verified the bat’s 1953 usage through factory records, highlighting its exceptional condition characterized 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 is a coveted gem for sports memorabilia enthusiasts. Bidders have a chance to own a piece of sporting history until the auction closes on Friday, May 17. With its exceptional historical and sentimental value, the bidding price is expected to soar well into six figures, making it a prized possession for any baseball aficionado.