- More
1967-68 Mickey Mantle Game Worn New York Yankees Batting Helmet.. ...
Click the image to load the highest resolution version.
Description
Worn to launch career home run number 500?
1967-68 Mickey Mantle Game Worn New York Yankees Batting Helmet.A pair of definitive photo matches get us 98% of the way to concluding that this battered relic was on the Mick's head as he made his 500th unimpeded circumnavigation of a Major League basepath, but imagery of his May 14, 1967 long ball is maddeningly imperfect. All logic points to that determination, but the certitude of a clear photograph eludes us.
Here's what we do know. The photograph on the Getty Images website bearing the numeric code 73969702 pictures Mantle wearing this helmet. The sizeable chip out of the fiberglass shell that appears at the upper right edge of the "NY" logo can be clearly seen. The caption attributes that photo to a May 28, 1967 contest at Cleveland's Municipal Stadium, a game played exactly two weeks after Mantle gained entry to the 500 Home Run Clubhouse.
A second image, a Type 1 photo (8x10") provided with this lot, again finds Mantle donning this helmet as he shares a joke with Baltimore Orioles catcher Andy Etchebarren during spring training of 1968. Once again, the frontal divot is the key characteristic that links the helmet to the photo. So we know that Mantle is wearing a helmet exhibiting heavy game wear both two weeks and approximately ten months after summiting the famous slugging plateau.
Is it enough to conclude that this is the helmet worn for home run number 500? We'll let you be the judge of that. At the very least, it served as Mickey Mantle's long-term companion as he put some of the finishing touches on his Hall of Fame career. Already showing heavy use two weeks after his historic homer, the helmet almost certainly saw action throughout a lengthy period of time prior.
It is accompanied by a signed letter of provenance from a coach in the San Gabriel Valley (CA) League who made the acquaintance of a Yankees scout in the 1980's. Since the scout lived nearby, he invited the coach to his home to pick up some fungo bats and practice balls he could use with his team. As he was prepared to leave, the man handed him this helmet, telling him that Mickey Mantle had used it in spring training "sometime in the 60's."
Beyond the details already reported, we find the proper "American Baseball Cap [size] 7 1/2" sticker inside the shell, as well as a piece of trainer's tape bearing a bold number "7" in black marker. A sizeable crack runs up the back of the helmet, and the visor exhibits some chipping, both indicative of either game wear or poor storage. But, certainly, these minor concerns evaporate when considering the enormous appeal of any Mantle game used gear, and the thrill of its possible association with one of the sport's greatest accomplishments. Letter of provenance from recipient. LOA from Heritage Auctions.
Auction Info
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
19.5% of the successful bid (minimum $14) per lot.
Calculate Standard Domestic Shipping Sales Tax information
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms
Floor auctions
Open for bidding: (View All)US Coins
Ends on 10/22/2019
Sports Collectibles
Ends on 10/22/2019
Fine Art
Ends on 10/29/2019
Manuscripts
Ends on 10/26/2019
Manuscripts
Ends on 10/27/2019
Fine Art
Ends on 11/01/2019
Western & Texas Art
Ends on 11/02/2019
Historical
Ends on 11/02/2019
Fine Art
Ends on 11/04/2019
Silver
Ends on 11/07/2019
Space
Opens about 10/25/2019
Decorative Art
Opens about 10/24/2019
Entertainment
Opens about 10/28/2019
Musical Instruments
Opens about 10/29/2019
Fine Art
Opens about 10/30/2019
Decorative Art
Opens about 10/31/2019
Comics & Comic Art
Opens about 11/01/2019
Sports Collectibles
Opens about 10/28/2019
Movie Posters
Opens about 11/01/2019
Comics & Comic Art
Opens about 10/30/2019
Fine Art
Opens about 11/12/2019
Currency
Opens about 11/15/2019
World & Ancient Coins
Opens about 11/11/2019
US Coins
Opens about 11/15/2019
Ethnographic Art
Opens about 11/15/2019
Fine Art
Opens about 11/15/2019
Fine & Rare Wine
Opens about 11/15/2019
Arms & Armor
Opens about 11/18/2019
Luxury Accessories
Opens about 11/18/2019
Jewelry & Timepieces
Opens about 11/08/2019
Arms & Armor
Opens about 11/19/2019
Nature & Science
Opens about 11/18/2019
Jewelry & Timepieces
Opens about 11/11/2019
Fine Art
Opens about 11/19/2019
Sports Collectibles
Opens about 11/20/2019
Decorative Art
Opens about 11/21/2019
Comics & Comic Art
Opens about 11/25/2019
US Coins
Opens about 11/15/2019
Heritage membership
- Past Auction Values (prices, photos, full descriptions, etc.)
- Bid online
- Free Collector newsletter
- Want List with instant e-mail notifications
- Reduced auction commissions when you resell your
winnings
- Cash Advances
- More Bidders
- Trusted Experts
- Over 200,000 Satisfied Consignors Since 1976
Learn about consigning with us
From the outset and my initial contact with you at Heritage I have been treated courteously. You have taken extra care in assuring me that the experience would be a positive one.View More Testimonials
Video tutorial
Getting the most out of search
Recent auctions
