(LOT 22)
1966 Mickey Mantle - Type 1 PSA Encapsulated United Press International Original News Service Photo
For all of the incredible skills that Mickey Mantle possessed as a ballplayer, his inability to remain in the lineup due to injury kept fans from seeing The Mick truly give his all on a consistent basis. Over his 18-year career (1951-1968), the Commerce Comet missed an astonishing 427 regular season games and never once played an entire season with the New York Yankees, his only team. However, he still managed to hit 536 home runs and drive in 1,509 runs. Based upon his averages of 36 HRs and 102 RBIs per season, according to Baseball Reference, Mickey Mantle could have added 93 dingers and 265 RBIs to his totals had he not been so prone to injury. This amazing 1966 original Type 1 United Press International News Service photograph of the Mick displays Mantle keeping sharp in batting practice in anticipation of a speedy return to the lineup. Measuring 7" x 9", this is a great 1966 image of Mickey taking a few swings in the batting cage before the Yankees July 21st game against the Kansas City Athletics. Still in fantastic condition, the image is crystal clear and unblemished with only some minimal wear on the borders as well as a single pinhole at bottom right. The reverse continues to carry the original "Can't Keep Mantle in the Shelf" caption from UPI as well as a United Press stamping beneath the affixed yellow paper. Dated 7/22/66, the caption depicts Mantle as "keeping in shape for his return to the lineup." This is a fantastic close-up of a veteran slugger looking to continue to add to his already Hall of Fame numbers if he can only get back on and stay on the field.

MIN BID $300
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