The handwritten notes from baseball star Mickey Mantle's famous speech from his deathbed will star at Grey Flannel Auctions.
 Mantle's final words were broadcast from his bed in Baylor University Medical Centre |
As the Yankees hitter fell seriously ill through complications caused by alcoholism, his final words were televised from the Baylor University Medical Centre on July 12, 1995. Mantle appealed to his "little teammates": "Please don't do drugs and alcohol. God only gave us one body."
Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of America's national pastime, Mantle was a beloved figure both in New York and across the United States. However, his later life was blighted with drinking problems, which caused the estrangement of his wife, Merlyn, and children.
He even fell out of favour with some of his adoring fans during this time, as controversy arose following a liver transplant that some felt had been expedited due to his fame.
Yet the star wished to redeem himself on his deathbed, reconciling with Merlyn and his family. In the notes he writes: "I said one time I didn't know how Lou Gehrig could [sic] here at home plate known he was going to die and he was the luckiest man on the face of Earth. Now I think I know. "
"I've always said when I died I want on my tombstone 'A Great Teamate' but I didn't mean this soon."
Mantle died aged 63 on August 13, 1995, suffering from liver cancer, cirrhosis and heptatis. The notes are written on the back of his PGA Tour score card and are framed with newspaper clippings and pictures.
Also featuring in the sale is a fantastic signed photograph of the New York Yankees "Murderer's Row" team, with autographs from Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig.
A date for the 2014 Summer Games Auctions from Grey Flannel has yet to be released, with the auction house still accepting consignments.
See the superb selection of sports memorabilia for sale in our online store.
