A piece of baseball history is now up for auction—a game-used bat wielded by the legendary Mickey Mantle during the 1953 World Series. This exceptional item, with a noteworthy backstory, is currently being auctioned off by Heritage Auctions, becoming the center of attention for sports memorabilia collectors and baseball enthusiasts alike.
The bat’s origins can be traced back to a unique event in early 1954 held at the Oklahoma City YMCA Junior Baseball banquet. The banquet was graced by Mantle himself, alongside his fellow baseball stars Allie Reynolds and Bobby Morgan. During the event, Mantle’s bat was offered as a prize, eventually won by young attendee Robert Nance for excelling as one of the top ticket sellers.
A K55 model bat, measuring 35.5 inches and weighing just under 34 ounces, it has been meticulously graded by PSA/DNA GU 10 for both its outstanding condition and undeniable authenticity. What sets this bat apart is Mantle’s personal connection to it; the baseball icon himself confirmed its use during the 1953 World Series, pointing out distinctive paint streaks from the Yankee Stadium dugout. This very bat accompanied Mantle as he made baseball history by hitting two crucial home runs against the Dodgers, including his sole postseason grand slam, crucial to the Yankees’ fifth consecutive World Series victory.
The bat’s provenance comes with a heartfelt touch, as it is accompanied by a letter from Robert Nance recounting the moment Mantle presented him with the prized bat, further enhancing its historical value. Moreover, the bat expert from PSA/DNA, John Taube, has affirmed its use in the momentous 1953 season through factory ordering records, highlighting its exceptional state with a plethora of ball marks, stitch impressions, and blue rack streaks.
Dubbed as “one of the finest Mantle bats ever to grace the hobby’s auction block” by Heritage Auctions, this remarkable piece is set to attract hefty bids, with the auction scheduled to conclude on Friday, May 17. Anticipated to fetch a price well into six figures, the significance of this bat, both historically and sentimentally, ensures a fierce competition amongst potential buyers vying for a slice of baseball legend.
