Maaaannn, thank you so much for all of those kind words, everybody!! I really do appreciate every single one of them.
Hopefully you're all getting ready for a fun and safe holiday weekend.
Here's one I just got back from the photographers today:
Mickey Mantle, April 18, 1952, 18" x 24"
Though I was never able to figure out who the photographer was, this shot was always super intriguing to me. Sure, it's a young Mickey and who doesn't love that, but there's a cool narrative to it. At least in my head there is. I just feel like he's caught at a really interesting time in his life.
It's Opening Day in New York, and Mickey is still fresh off of the injury that almost ended his career before it really began. The event in the World Series months prior was initially diagnosed as a torn muscle, but later identified as torn ligaments and cartilage--a torn ACL and MCL, and meniscus. Despite how serious the injury was, he wouldn't have surgery until 1953. Woof.
So as a result, he had a very slow start in March. His dad, the center of his world, was weeks away from dying. Mickey also had a new bride in Merlyn, married less than four months before the opening of the season. On the field, he was battling Bob Cerv, Jackie Jensen, and a little later, Irv Noren for regular centerfield duties, the position that had been vacated by the great DiMaggio that prior December.
He was not yet a god. Hell, far from it. Probably still just a scared kid at this point. The day the photograph was taken, the Yankees raised their third consecutive championship banner. Joe DiMaggio gave his glove and newly retired #5 jersey to Rowan Spraker of the Hall of Fame. Gil McDougald was given his Rookie of the Year award. Yogi his MVP award. Allie Reynolds the Page One prize. Phil Rizzuto an award for his play in the '51 WS. But still, here's the kid with the weight of the world on his shoulders, and all the ability to make himself into what Stengel bragged about him to be. I guess for me, knowing all of that stuff makes the portrait seem extra special.
Annnyyywwwhhhhoooo, sorry for being all cerebral and reflective. Hope y'all dig the painting. And as usual, feel free to reach out with any comments, critiques, or questions!
Thanks for reading!
Graig