Mickey Mantle Love Letter to His Future Wife

This extraordinary letter was written by Mickey Mantle to his fiancee Merlyn, barely a month after his arrival in New York City for his rookie year with the Yankees. Contained within its original New York Yankees, Inc. envelope, it is addressed simply to "Miss Merlyn Johnson, Picher, Oklahoma". The postmark is May 19, 1951. Both pages of the three-sided document (it is a two sheet letter with one sheet written both sides), are on New York Yankees letterhead. The letter remains in excellent condition. As one can easily see by reading the text (below), Mickey speaks of life in New York City while repeatedly professing his love for Merlyn. He refers to his Yankees roommates Hank Bauer and Johnny Hopp. This wonderful letter has been placed in this auction by the Mantle family and importantly, is the only such letter ever offered to the public.