1952 Bowman Mickey Mantle #101 SGC 8.5 NM-MT+

The resilient Bowman would not be outdone as they battled Topps for popularity in the early 50s. Their designers kept pace with the iconic ‘52 Bowman issue, which offers collectors another gem as a follow-up to the Mantle ‘51 Bowman rookie issue. The intense look on Mantle’s face as he gazes into the distance captures the intensity with which he played the game during his first season. This SGC 8.5 example comes with PWCC-A Eye Appeal designation, placing its presentation in the top 30% of examples of the same grade. It’s a great copy of one of the Mick’s greatest cards. Only 24 total examples across the SGC, PSA, and Beckett grading services have earned a condition assessment higher than 8.5. When Mantle joined the Yankees in 1951, he struggled at the plate, going 0-22 out of the gate. When Stengel sent him back to AA ball for the Kansas City Blues to work on his swing, he did not know if he would return. Hailed as DiMaggio’s successor, Mantle felt the pressure to perform. It did not help that DiMaggio did not lay out the red carpet. Stengel eventually moved Mantle from the infield to right field to relieve some of the pressure on him. Mantle’s first year presented its share of challenges: threats and hurled items in his direction from opposing fans, scurrilous New York businessmen seeking to fleece him, accusations of dodging the Korean War, and the temptations of a big city for a 19-year-old kid from Oklahoma. He made it anyway. And plenty of vintage baseball bidders will be making this card their primary focus this month. Learn more about collecting Mantle in our Guide to Mickey Mantle’s Baseball Cards: https://www.fanaticscollect.com/definitive-guides/a-guide-to-mickey-mantles-baseball-cards The certification number on this card has been checked against the third-party grader's online database and is active as of 06/03/2025.