A piece of baseball history is ready to change hands as a game-used bat from Mickey Mantle’s legendary 1953 World Series performance is on the auction block at Heritage Auctions. This bat is not just any ordinary piece of equipment; it carries a unique backstory that adds depth to its historical significance.
The origins of this remarkable bat trace back to a youth baseball banquet hosted in Oklahoma City in early 1954. The banquet featured baseball icons like Mantle, Allie Reynolds, and Bobby Morgan from the Brooklyn Dodgers. During the event, where young attendees participated, Mantle’s prized bat was among the coveted prizes. It was ultimately won by Robert Nance, who had excelled in selling event tickets.
The bat in question is a K55 model, measuring 35.5 inches in length and weighing just under 34 ounces. Graded as PSA/DNA GU 10 for its impeccable condition and authenticity, this bat holds a special place in baseball history due to Mantle’s direct association with it. Mantle himself confirmed to Nance that he used this bat during the 1953 World Series, even pointing out the distinct paint streaks from the Yankee Stadium dugout. This bat witnessed some of Mantle’s finest moments on the field, including hitting two home runs against the Dodgers, one of which was a memorable grand slam during the Yankees’ fifth consecutive World Series victory.
The provenance of the bat is further solidified by a letter from Nance recounting the moment Mantle presented the bat to him, infusing a personal touch into its already rich historical narrative. Bat expert John Taube from PSA/DNA has authenticated the bat’s use in the 1953 World Series through factory ordering records, highlighting its exceptional condition with numerous ball marks, stitch impressions, and blue rack streaks.
Heritage Auctions has lauded this unique item as “unquestionably one of the finest Mantle bats ever to appear on the hobby’s auction block.” Bidders and baseball enthusiasts alike now have the chance to own a piece of sports history as the auction for this iconic bat runs until Friday, May 17. With the bat’s significant historical provenance and sentimental value, the final price is anticipated to soar well into the six figures, attracting serious collectors and fans eager to own a piece of Mickey Mantle’s legacy.
