Mantle/Brooks Robby Photo "Mystery" Solved

[roarfrom34]

For years, we've seen that popular color photograph of Mickey Mantle sliding into third with Brooks Robinson attempting a tag. While my picture was simply signed by the two Hall of Famers, I've seen others at shows, etc. with the fun inscriptions "He's Out," and "Safe!"



The other day, I was on eBay and noted for sale a wire photo that looked familiar. As it turns out, this B&W picture was taken immediately after the other one and as it turns out, Mantle was indeed safe (front end of a double steal no less) and later scored on a Joe Pepitone base hit...

Mystery Solved!

[Fuddjcal]

he still looks out to me

[perezfan]

It depends on whether the glove is actually touching the ankle at that point. The Ump appears to be right on top of it, but who really knows?

The thing that disturbs me more is the appearance of Brooks Robinson's signature. It's too bad that he had to mess up an otherwise nice photo with that scribbled mess. I have seen 2nd graders who can write their name in neater fashion. I know he's a good guy, but would it kill him to take a couple of seconds to make it look at least presentable?

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

Funny Mark, I was thinking of posting the same thing about Brooks. I've always wished that his signature would be more comparable to his personality. I do know a lot of lefties who abhor having to pick up a pen. Maybe he just wants to be done with the process as quickly as possible due to not particularly enjoying the task.

[roarfrom34]

Brooks signed this picture at a promotional appearance at a Baltimore car dealership back in 1986 (with Eddie Murray).

I actually think it's not a bad representation of his signature (Mantle had already signed it so I believe he was trying not to interefere with it).....

[perezfan]

It is a very decent representation of Brooks' signature (and that's the very problem). It always looks like that...

Regardless of whether he was trying to avoid Mantle's ink, it would be sloppy. Good point by Jodi about the "lefty" thing... I never thought of that, but perhaps that's why his scrawl is always so horrific

[roarfrom34]

good points.....I think most people would be surprised to learn that the only thing Brooks Robinson did right-handed was play baseball!

[Orioles1954]

The Yankees get all of the calls....

[steve B]

Interesting about Robinsons signature. I'll have to find mine and see how it looks. 1976, and I think a bit nicer? But it's been a while since I looked at it.

I also recall him talking about signing for everyone that asked and getting fast enough that it wasn't a problem. I think the quote was "give them a B and some bumps and an r and some bumps and they're happy" - Also totally different than my experience getting the signature in person at a more relaxed event.

Steve B