It’s strange that up until today, I haven’t featured the 1961 Mickey Mantle card on Monster Monday. In fact, Mantle hasn’t appeared on this blog yet!
That is going to change now. Many thanks to reader Gerard Pastorius who posted this card recently on Facebook.
Bronx Bomber
- Led AL with .687 SLG
- 2nd in HR (54)
- 4th in hitting (.317)
- 2nd in runs (131)
- 5th in rbis (128)
- Led in BB (126)
If it were it any other year, Mantle would have led the league in homers. In fact, his 54 dingers still rate 21st all-time. But as you all know, 1961 was the year Maris broke the homerun record with 61. Maris was suitably rewarded by APBA with three 1s.
At the time, only five players not named Babe Ruth had as many homeruns in one season (including Maris).
Take away the homerun factor, Mantle still had himself a very good 1961, too. His .317 batting average was fifth best in the AL and on top of that he led the league in walks. He still had speed and managed to steal 12 bases.
| Split | G | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | BA | OBP | SLG | OPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1961 Totals | 153 | 646 | 514 | 131 | 163 | 16 | 6 | 54 | 128 | 12 | 126 | 112 | .317 | .448 | .687 | 1.135 |
First, Mantle’s 1961 card is fast and rated as an OF-3. Check that box.
Mantle’s power numbers are 1-1-5-5 which are great but it did make me scratch my head. I think we’re so used to numbers like that in today’s era. I did see that he played full season with 646 plate appearances so you’re getting a full year of the Mick.
Mantle’s card has seven 14s! With his two 10s, he’ll be getting on base for Yogi!
The Little Details
1961 Mantle has a fun 24-40
No 24s for Mick. He has a 41-13.
Love that 26-14!
Thanks Gerard!!
Yes that 26-14 is a real bonus but I do wonder about that 25-10 for just 12 SBs in over 600 plate appearances. (Maybe a 44-7 would have been too much so they found a happy medium?) Still, it’s one of my favourite cards/teams in that entire GTOP set and that terrific font adds a sweet touch as well.
Should have had three 1’s. Downgraded to help Maris win the APBA HR title.
Hi Ronald,
That might be. This is an original card and APBA may have taken some license with card making back then.
Tom