U-S-A! U-S-A!

Happy Independence Day - if this were a politically oriented blog, there would be a lot to say about the holiday and current events, but this is a baseball card blog, so I will leave the punditry to the pundits. Hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable 4th!

Marvin Gaye's version of our national anthem  brought tears to Eric Clapton's eyes, and Clapton is British fer cryin out loud!

Burying the lede here, I made a very "American" acquisition this weekend, spending maybe a little more money than I have right now (thanks to my federal tax return and a little help from Visa!) but what could be more American than Mickey Mantle?

I opted to go with a graded copy just for a little added protection that the card would not be a reprint.
I didn't care what the grade was, and I will be freeing the card from jail soon.

I had been following searches on eBay for about a year and a half to get a sense of what the market is for this card now, and what I would be willing to pay to complete my 1956 Topps set. I had tried to win a few auctions earlier this year, but I was getting outbid routinely. I finally opted for this one at a fair buy it now price.

So there you go! Follow your dreams and if England calls, we're out there blowing stuff up and grilling hot dogs!