The New York Yankees center fielder Mickey Mantle may be no more, but he is still smashing records. The legend’s game-worn jersey went under the hammer for a record-shattering $4.68 million, making it the most valuable Mantle jersey ever sold at auction. Heritage Auctions sold The Mick’s famous No. 7 pinstripe top worn on April 18, 1958, when the Yankees achieved a three-to-one win over the Baltimore Orioles. The World Champion wore the jersey again when he scored a home run during the All-Star exhibition game in the Bronx on October 12.
“It’s rare to see an all-original Yankees jersey from that era,” said Chris Ivy, Heritage’s Director of Sports Auctions. He added, “To have a 1950s-era all-original Mickey Mantle pinstripes jersey that is photo-matched to several games is very scarce.” The last jersey sported by the 20-time All-Star during his time with the Yankees held the previous record. It sold in February 2020 for just under $2.2 million.
Another record-making piece of sports memorabilia at the 2023 Summer Platinum Night Sports Auction was a 1952 Topps Mantle graded Mint 9 by Sportscard Guaranty Corporation, which sold for $4.5 million, becoming the most expensive sports card sold in 2023.
“There is no shortage of headlines from this year’s Summer Platinum Night Sports Auction, from the popularity of signed vintage cards to the overwhelming demand for uniforms worn when history was made,” said Ivy. “Certainly, the Mantles demand worthy attention; for us, it’s always a thrill to be a part of history, too. But no one should ignore the intensely tenacious bidding throughout the weekend, and the extraordinary prices realized as a result.”
