Lot # 2475: 1951 New York Yankees Spring Training with Mickey Mantle Rookie Original Dave Cicero Photograph PSA/DNA Type I

Original news photograph capturing seven members of the New York Yankees, including Mickey Mantle as a rookie and manager Casey Stengel, before spring training on February 27 or 28 in 1951 (the date is based on the fact that this image was used in The Arizona Republic newspaper the morning of March 1). The players are pictured posing together on the field in their away uniforms. In 1951, for the first and only time in the club's history, the Yankees headed West instead of South for spring training, opening camp in Phoenix, Arizona. While news of DiMaggio's impending retirement at season's end was already circulating, it wasn't the biggest story in camp that spring. Most of the media attention was focused on a young outfielder who could hit with incredible power from both sides of the plate and run like a deer. His name was Mickey Mantle, and his performance in the desert was already drawing comparisons to Ruth, Gehrig, and, in hushed tones, even DiMaggio. Encapsulated and certified as an original Type I photograph by PSA/DNA. An original paper news caption dated "3-4-51" appears on the reverse, as well as an "International News Photos" credit stamp and a second date stamp "Mar 27 1951." Because this photo dates from prior to spring training of 1951, it holds the distinction of being one of the earliest photos ever to feature Mantle as a member of the New York Yankees. The photo (9 x 7-1/8 inches) has light creases (including a horizontal crease extending across the central image area) and a small spot of paper loss near the top border. In Good condition overall.