Z4104

Baseball Sluggers

Mickey MantleBaseball Sluggers 

Collins Cover Announcement 

The hand painted cachets in this set of four baseball stars are reminiscent of my Legends of Baseball set issued in 2000. Those hand painted cachets had a very soft and realistic "look" and, although not exactly the same technique, these four covers also convey the artwork in a very natural way. I always strive to make Collins cachets special, and this set promises to become a foursome that will immediately vault to the top of the "must own" list for collectors of this issue.

Mickey Mantle played for the New York Yankees for almost two decades. He was a powerful switchhitter famous for long home runs. Blessed with excellent speed, he was a fast base runner and covered the vast Yankee Stadium centei field with his glove. In 1956 he hit 52 homers, had 130 runs batted in, and had a .353 batting average - a Triple Crown season. In his career he hit 18 World Series home runs and was named to 20 All Star teams.

In 1948 Roy Campanella began playing for the-Brooldyn Dodgers as the first black catcher in Major League history. He won the Most Valuable Player award in 1953 when he hit 41 home runs, had 142 runs batted in, scored 103 runs and hit .312. It is considered one of the best seasons ever for a catcher. Before coming to the Majors, "Campy" had started his career with the Baltimore Elite Giants of the Negro Leagues in 1937. During his years with the Dodgers, he was one of the famous "Boys of Summer."

Hank Greenberg was one of the game's greatest right-handed hitters and was baseball's first Jewish superstar. His career batting average was .313 during which time he had 1,276 runs batted in and was named to four consecutive All-Star teams. "Hammerin' Hank" played first base for the Detroit Tigers, and in 1938 tied the home run record for right-handed batters with 58. His career numbers would have been more extensive because after the U.S. entered World War II, he enlisted in the Air Corps and served with distinction until 1945. Returning to the field that season, Hank hit a home run in his first game back, hit a ninth inning gland slam in the fmal game of the season to secure the pennant for the Tigers, and hit two homers and had seven RBIs to lead the Detroit team to the World Series championship over the Chicago Cubs.

Mel Ott stayed with the New York Giants his entire career. He started playing for them in 1926 and was known for his unusual high leg-kick batting style. It gave him power, and he was the first National League player to hit over 500 home runs. From 1942 to 1947 he was the Giants' Playermanager. His tenth inning homer won the 1933 World Series for his New York team. Six times during his career he led the National League in home runs.

These four baseball stars of yesteryear could flat-out hit the ball. They brought exciting offense to the fans at their stadiums and to those listening to their radios or, in the case of Mickey and Campy, watching on TV. Baseball items always make great collectibles, and First Day Covers certainly are included. Whether or not you're a sports fan, these four men are part of American history, and having these Collins cachets in your collection will be important. In beautiful watercolored portraits, I am pleased to pay tribute to these great hitters: Roy Campanella (Z4101); Hank Greenberg (Z4102); Mel Ott (Z4103), and Mickey Mantle (Z4104). Baseball Sluggers set of four - $13.25 each.