1963 Mickey Mantle NY Yankees Signed Contract

Mickey Mantle’s 1963 Yankees Contract: A Piece of Baseball History

The Legend of Mickey Mantle

Mickey Charles Mantle, born on October 20, 1931, in Spavinaw, Oklahoma, is a name that resonates with baseball enthusiasts around the world. Known for his exceptional talent and charismatic presence, Mantle quickly rose to iconic status in the realm of baseball. Initially playing as a shortstop, Mantle transitioned to center field when he joined the New York Yankees in 1951, succeeding the legendary Joe DiMaggio. As a switch-hitter, Mantle combined remarkable power and speed, which allowed him to achieve extraordinary feats despite enduring numerous injuries throughout his career.

Over his illustrious 18-year career, Mantle amassed an impressive 536 home runs and maintained a .298 batting average. His accolades include three MVP awards and a Triple Crown in 1956. Mantle’s contributions were instrumental in securing 12 pennants and seven World Series titles for the Yankees, establishing numerous World Series records, including the most home runs (18). His retirement was announced during spring training on March 1, 1969, and his uniform No. 7 was retired on June 8, 1969, during a Mickey Mantle Day celebration at Yankee Stadium, where he received a ten-minute standing ovation. Mantle was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on January 16, 1974, in his first year of eligibility.

The Historic 1963 Contract

Among the many treasures of baseball memorabilia, Mickey Mantle’s 1963 contract with the New York Yankees stands out as a testament to his legendary status. This “American League of Professional Baseball Clubs” contract, signed between the “NEW YORK YANKEES” and “MICKEY C. MANTLE” of “5730 Watson Circle, Dallas, Texas,” was valued at $100,000.00. This contract placed Mantle alongside Hall of Famer Joe DiMaggio as the highest-paid Yankee ballplayer in history, joining the ranks of diamond greats like Ted Williams, Stan Musial, and Willie Mays, who also reached the $100,000 mark.

• Signature: The contract is signed by Mickey Mantle in bold, blue ink, with a rating of a strong 9.
• Condition: The four-page bi-fold contract is in NM condition overall, rare and historic as the man himself.
• Accompanied Documentation: Includes a LOA from JSA for the signature and a LOA from PSA/DNA.
• Press Release: Accompanied by a February 27, 1963, press release on Yankees stationery announcing the contract agreement.

This contract is presumably the team’s copy, as it bears Mantle’s signature only. The procedure for sealing such agreements involves three separate, but identical, contracts: one for the player (signed by a franchise executive), another for the team’s files (usually penned by the player only), and yet another (signed by both parties) submitted to the President of the American League for sanctioning.

A Rare Opportunity for Collectors

This remarkable piece of history is not just a contract; it is a symbol of Mantle’s enduring legacy and the golden era of baseball. For collectors and enthusiasts, owning such a piece is akin to holding a fragment of baseball’s storied past. If you are interested in exploring more about sports memorabilia auctions or wish to consign baseball jerseys, Grey Flannel Auctions is your trusted partner in the world of appraising MLB items.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.