1951 Mickey Mantle Rookie Signature. Spring Training, 10 Days before Debut. PSA

1951 Mickey Mantle Rookie Autograph!

Presented is an exceptional 1951 New York Yankees multi-signed restaurant menu/ stationary from Vincent’s Sorrento Restaurant in Houston, Texas, highlighted by a highly desirable rookie-year signature of Mickey Mantle at the top. The piece dates to April 7, 1951—just ten days before Mantle’s Major League debut and during Yankees Spring Training.

The timing of this menu directly coincides with the Yankees’ exhibition game played the following day, Sunday, April 8, 1951, against the Houston Buffs at historic Buff Stadium-- (Mantle blasted a Homerun that day too!) Vincent’s Sorrento was well known as a popular restaurant for athletes and celebrities during this era.

In addition to Mantle, the menu is signed by five additional members of the legendary 1951 New York Yankees, including Hall of Famers Yogi Berra and Phil Rizzuto, along with Ed Lopat, Allie Reynolds, and Clint Courtney. The item approximately 6" x 7.5".

Managed by Hall of Famer Casey Stengel, the 1951 Yankees defeated their crosstown rivals, the NY Giants in the World Series. Mantle, playing primarily in right field with Joe DiMaggio holding center field in his final season, batted .263 with 13 home runs and 65 RBIs during his rookie campaign. Berra earned American League MVP honors, hitting 27 home runs with 88 RBIs, while Rizzuto batted .274 and led the team with 18 stolen bases. On the mound, Lopat posted a 21–9 record, and Reynolds finished 17–8.

Mickey Mantle is known for having one of the most distinctive autographs in all of sports, instantly recognizable by its two large, looping capital “M’s.” However, during his rookie season his signature was markedly different—simpler in form, with far less flourish and refinement. As Mantle became a prominent star and one of the most famous athletes in the world, he gradually evolved and enhanced his autograph, developing the bold, more elaborate style collectors know today. As a result, early Mantle signatures such as this—particularly from 1951—are far scarcer and more desirable than later examples.

While Mantle signed extensively throughout his career, especially during retirement, autographs from his early career and rookie season remain genuinely difficult to obtain. The significance of this example is further elevated by its dating to just days before his Major League debut, at a time when Mantle was one of the most heavily hyped young prospects in baseball. His dominant Spring Training performance left Casey Stengel with little choice but to carry the young phenom on the Opening Day roster, despite widespread belief that he was still too inexperienced.

This outstanding early-career Mickey Mantle autograph is accompanied by a PSA Letter of Authenticity (LOA).