Lot # 2242: Mickey Mantle Single-Signed Baseball - Vintage Signature - JSA

Official American League baseball (Harridge) signed by Mickey Mantle. The famed "Commerce Comet" has signed the ball in blue ink across the sweet spot. Mantle has added the inscription "Best Wishes" directly above his signature. Sophisticated collectors have always made a sharp distinction between vintage Mickey Mantle signed baseballs dating from his playing career and the seemingly thousands upon thousands that entered the hobby during the 1980s "signing show" boom. Despite Mantle's popularity, vintage single-signed examples are rare, as in the 1950s this was not a form that collectors normally sought for then-modern stars, so today the demand far exceeds the supply. The offered ball is a pleasing example and would make a fine representative addition to any advanced single-signed ball, Mantle, or New York Yankees collection. The ball displays moderate toning and the manufacturer's stampings are slightly faded, but legible. In Good condition overall. Full LOA from James Spence/JSA.