A remarkable piece of baseball history is currently up for auction at Heritage Auctions—a game-used bat from Mickey Mantle’s iconic 1953 World Series performance. This bat holds more than just its physical attributes; it carries with it a unique backstory that adds to its allure and value.
The origins of this bat can be traced back to early 1954, during an event hosted by the Oklahoma City YMCA Junior Baseball banquet. Mickey Mantle, alongside his fellow baseball stars Allie Reynolds and Bobby Morgan, were present at this gathering, where one lucky attendee, Robert Nance, walked away with Mantle’s bat as a prize for being a top ticket seller at the event.
This K55 model bat, measuring 35.5 inches and weighing just under 34 ounces, has been meticulously graded by PSA/DNA GU 10 for its exceptional condition and authenticity. What sets this bat apart is Mantle’s personal connection to it; he revealed to Nance that he had wielded this very bat during the 1953 World Series, pointing out the distinctive paint streaks from the Yankee Stadium dugout. It was with this bat that Mantle made history, including hitting two home runs against the Dodgers, with one being his only postseason grand slam, aiding in the Yankees’ fifth consecutive World Series triumph.
The provenance of this bat is bolstered by a letter from Nance recounting the moment Mantle handed it over to him, infusing a personal element into its already rich historical significance. Furthermore, bat expert John Taube of PSA/DNA has authenticated its use in 1953 through meticulous examination of factory ordering records, noting its remarkable condition characterized by numerous ball marks, stitch impressions, and faint blue rack streaks.
Heritage Auctions has dubbed this item as “unquestionably one of the finest Mantle bats ever to appear on the hobby’s auction block.” Interested bidders have the opportunity to lay claim to this extraordinary piece of sports memorabilia until the auction concludes on Friday, May 17. With its profound historical and sentimental value, the price of this coveted artifact is anticipated to soar well into the six figures, attracting passionate collectors and sports enthusiasts alike.
