Best-In-Class
1960 Mickey Mantle Autographed & Photo-Matched Game Worn Home Jersey, MEARS 9.5. ...
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Description
1960 Mickey Mantle Autographed & Photo-Matched Game Worn Home Jersey, MEARS 9.5
Best-In-Class Expert Analysis/Summary:
In the world of vintage baseball flannels, while all of them are considered scarce since they were deployed so infrequently to begin with, some jerseys are simply more difficult to find than others. That chore is taken to an entirely different level when it comes to New York Yankee home pinstripe jerseys and all-original specimens, considering the common practice of repurposing the jerseys for minor league use. This tradition, of course, leads to all kinds of potential alterations, from number changes on the back to logo/team modifications on the front to patch removals on the sleeves.
As a result, finding a classic pinstripe in that state of preservation is both extremely challenging and highly coveted. When it comes to Mickey Mantle, the level of demand is overwhelming versus the scant number of jerseys that make the grade. This gorgeous example, which the baseball icon signed and inscribed along the chest, was issued during the 1960 season. Furthermore, and perhaps more importantly, the jersey has been photo-matched to over a dozen images, including one that places the jersey at the Midsummer Classic that year.
This jersey was worn during Mantle's prime, as it is nestled in the middle of his three AL MVPs (1956, 1957, and 1962). In fact, Mantle was the runner-up in 1960 after leading the league in various categories, including runs scored (119), home runs (40), and OPS (.957). This period was Mantle at the height of his powers. The powerhouse team made what seemed like their annual trip to the World Series in 1960. While they fell to the Pittsburgh Pirates in seven games, Mantle was the anchor of a squad that made 12 World Series appearances and took home seven championships from 1951 to 1964.
This jersey is exceptional within the realm of known Mantle pinstripes. Its combination of original state, outstanding condition, immense eye appeal, definitive photo matches, and era of use results in what hobbyists refer to as "checking all the right boxes." Due to its exceptional overall attributes, this spectacular relic received our Best-In-Class assessment.