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1952 AL MVP Bobby Shantz Still a Great Autograph Signer at Age 98

Former Yankee Signs Often and Beautifully

September 28, 2023

Bobby Shantz turned 98 years young this week, and isn't letting his age slow down fulfilling his autograph requests. The 1952 AL MVP is still a great signer, and has a lovely signature! Check out the autograph we received and how you could ask the former New York Yankee for one to add into your collection.

Earlier this week, we had the pleasure of meeting a former baseball great in Bobby Shantz. Making an appearance at The Philly Show, Shantz was signing autographs just two days before his 98th birthday! Shantz had an amazing career in baseball; one that includes an MVP award! Here are a few of Shantz's career highlights:

1952 AL MVP
World Series championship in 1958
8 Gold Glove awards from 1957-1964
3 All-Star games in 1951, 1952, and 1957

During his career, Shantz played for the Philadelphia/Kansas City Athletics from 1949-56, the Yankees from 1957-1960, Pittsburg Pirates in 1961, Houston Colt .45's in 1962, St. Louis Cardinals from 1962-1964, and ended his career going to both the Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies to round out the 1964 season.

Shantz took home the MVP awards in 1952 as a member of the Philadelphia A's after a 24-7 season on the mound behind a 2.48 ERA. In his first season as a Yankee, he lead the league with 2.45 ERA. Shantz and the Yankees made it to the World Series in 1957, 1958, and 1960, winning it all in 1958.

When we heard Bobby Shantz would be signing autographs at the Philly show, there was no chance we would pass on adding an autograph from an MVP and World Series champ! For just $15 per autograph and a $5 inscription fee, Shantz signed our 1958 Topps baseball card (the World Series winning year).

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Look how incredible the signature is! Shantz wrote To Monte as he requested, and even added best wishes. You can make out every single letter of the inscription and the autograph on that card. The blue ink looks sharp on the red background and across the Yankees jersey. This autograph is more legible than MANY of today's athletes! We love Mike Trout; he's an all-time legend. However, look at Trout's autograph:

Trout Auto

On this Topps mini pulled from the RIP product, you can see Trout signed just below himself running, across his pants. You can make out the M...maybe. The second letter looks like a backwards P. Many autographs of current players are simply initials or illegible. It is refreshing to see a great autograph from Bobby Shantz, and even more so given he's nearly a 100!

If you'd like to ask Mr. Shantz for an autograph, you could keep an eye out to see if he'll be appearing at the next Philly Show; just check the site HERE. The next show will be held December 1st-3rd. If you're not able to make it to Philadelphia, according to Sports Card Forum, Shantz is an EXCELLENT signer through the mail. The site results have 715 autograph requests sent via mail to Mr. Shantz, and only ONE time did a fan not receive an autograph back. We're wondering if that one envelope was lost in the mail. To see the address and information through the mail, check out the site HERE.

Thank you for signing out autograph, Bobby Shantz!

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