MICKEY ROOKIE!!!...In 1951, a new face arrived in training camp for the New York Yankees. A young man out of Commerce, Oklahoma was set to ultimately replace the irreplaceable Yankee Clipper, Joe DiMaggio. And for a little added pressure, that transition was set to begin at the conclusion of the 1951 season. But The Mick, though he struggled initially, was up for the task, and in 1952, Mickey Mantle took his place in the Yankee lineup for good, or at least for the next 17 seasons. Mickey Mantle had it all: speed, glove, and power, the latter of which he had from both sides of the plate. Over 18 injury-plagued seasons, Mickey Mantle was able to blast 536 home runs, 373 as a right-handed batter and 163 as a lefty. He is the greatest switch hitter in history. And he ably replaced Joltin’ Joe to become one of the most beloved Yankees ever. Just as The Mick replaced Joe D, the 1952 Topps #311 Mickey Mantle has usurped the fame from the 1911 T206 Wagner, though they both remain highly coveted in the hobby. This issue remains vibrantly colorful with good, but OC borders and appears to have, possibly, come in contact with moisture at some point which caused some uneven surface issues mainly, but not entirely, on the left edge, upper left corner and on the reverse. This unevenness to the surfaces is the possible reason for the "Authentic/Altered" grade. Otherwise, this card appears about as vibrant as one could hope for. Few other cards garner the attention that a Mick Rookie will, and this 1952 Topps issue is a fantastic card around which to build and trade up. Make this Mantle Rookie yours today!