A bat wielded by Mickey Mantle during the 1953 World Series, which later became a youth banquet prize, is currently being auctioned by Heritage Auctions. The bat's rich history has already driven bids over $200,000.
Heritage Auctions is offering a unique item of sports memorabilia: a bat used by Mickey Mantle in the 1953 World Series, which has since become a coveted collector's item. This bat not only saw action in one of baseball's most celebrated championships but also has a charming origin story tied to a youth baseball event.
In early 1954, before heading to spring training, Mantle, along with Yankees teammate Allie Reynolds and Dodgers pitcher Bobby Morgan, attended a youth baseball banquet in Oklahoma City. The event was a chance for fans to interact with their hometown heroes, and it featured a prize giveaway that included Mantle's game-used bat. The lucky winner of the bat was Robert Nance, a young attendee who had been one of the top ticket sellers for the banquet.
The bat, a K55 model measuring 35.5 inches and weighing nearly 34 ounces, has received the highest grade possible, PSA/DNA GU 10, indicating its excellent condition and authenticity. Mantle himself had explained to Nance that this bat was used during the previous year's World Series, even pointing out paint streaks from the Yankee Stadium dugout.
Mantle's use of the bat in the World Series was significant; he hit two home runs against the Dodgers, including a grand slam—his only one in postseason play—as the Yankees clinched their fifth consecutive title.
John Taube, a bat expert from PSA/DNA, has verified the bat's authenticity and described its condition as "outstanding," with clear signs of use such as ball marks, stitch impressions, and cleat divots, along with distinctive blue rack streaks.
Heritage Auctions has highlighted this bat as one of the finest Mickey Mantle bats ever presented in the collectibles market. The auction will remain open until Friday, May 17, with the bat expected to fetch a high six-figure sum, reflecting both its historical importance and unique backstory.