7/1/1949 Mickey Mantle Signed Independence Yankees Pre-Rookie Check

Mickey Mantle’s Early Career Check: A Rare Piece of Baseball History

The Genesis of a Legend

In the annals of baseball history, few names resonate as profoundly as Mickey Mantle. The journey of this legendary slugger began in the most humble of settings, with a signature that would mark the start of an illustrious career. On the evening of his high school graduation, Mantle signed with the Yankees organization, a moment immortalized in the backseat of veteran scout Tom Greenwade’s Chrysler. Greenwade, who played coy with Mantle and his father, Mutt, would later confess, “The first time I saw Mantle I knew how Paul Krichell felt when he first saw Lou Gehrig.”

A Check with Historical Significance

This particular check represents half of the $140 monthly salary that inducted Mickey Mantle into the Independence Yankees of the Kansas-Oklahoma-Missouri class D farm system. With official deductions amounting to three dollars, the final figure stands at $67, drawn from “The Independence State Bank” and authorized by club secretary John Vallina. The check is further distinguished by the rare teenaged signature variation of Mickey Mantle, endorsed on the reverse with an impressive 8.5/10 strength, in our opinion.

The Road to Major League Stardom

In July 1950, as the Korean War loomed, Mantle was drafted for military service. However, the draft board rejected him due to an osteomyelitic condition in his left leg, a remnant of a football injury, granting him a 4-F deferment. This was the first of three rejections for military service. Mantle spent two formative years with the Class D Independence Yankees of the old K-O-M League before making his unsteady Major League debut in 1951. The rest, as they say, is baseball history.

Why This Check Matters

• Historical Context: Represents the early financial beginnings of one of baseball’s greatest players.
• Rare Signature: Features a scarce variation of Mantle’s signature from his teenage years.
• Unique Provenance: A tangible connection to Mantle’s early career and the Yankees’ farm system.

This check is not merely a piece of paper; it is a testament to the humble beginnings of a baseball icon. It serves as a reminder of the journey from a small-town boy to a Major League legend. For collectors and enthusiasts, this check is an invaluable addition to any baseball memorabilia collection, offering a glimpse into the formative years of Mickey Mantle’s career.

For those interested in exploring more about the world of sports memorabilia, Grey Flannel Auctions offers a wide array of sports memorabilia auctions. Whether you’re looking to consign sports memorabilia or simply appreciate the rich history of the game, our platform provides unparalleled access to some of the most significant artifacts in sports history.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.