Mickey Mantle gives his watch to Delray Library

The Mick

Happy St. Patrick’s Day to All

This weekend’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival in Delray seemed to go off without a hitch.

Congratulations to John Fischer and his team, FMG, the City of Delray Beach and others for continuing the tradition started by Maury Powers all those years ago.

Mickey Mantle Watch Donated to Library

A rare Mickey Mantle watch, signed and worn by the Yankee slugger, will now be on display at the Delray Beach Public Library thanks to a donation by local restaurant owner Fran Marincola, who has previously donated several other baseball memorabilia items to the library.

“What makes this watch special is that it’s part of a limited edition and it was one of only two actually worn by Mickey Mantle,” says Marincola, founder/partner of Caffè Luna Rosa in Delray Beach. “It has his picture on the face and it’s signed by Mantle on the back.”

The watch is the latest addition to the library’s baseball memorabilia collection, which includes autographed photographs, books and an original 1954 Mickey Mantle contract – all donated by Marincola.

“What’s different about this collection is that it’s fun, it’s unique and it adds value to our community library,” says Delray Beach Public Library Director Alan Kornblau. “It’s an extension of what we have in the library but in a less traditional form.”

“Housed on the library’s second floor not far from the top of the staircase, the collection has become a popular display, drawing visitors from throughout South Florida.

“This is a big part of Americana,” Kornblau said. “It brings back good feelings and brings out the kid in all of us.”

The contract, which shows that Mantle was paid $21,000 in 1954, is the crown jewel in the collection that also includes a framed replica of a couple of Life Magazine covers featuring the Yankee Hall of Fame member, as well as close to 20 autographed photos of players from years gone, such as Yogi Berra, Sandy Kofax, Warren Spahn and Carl Hubbell, a left-handed screwball pitcher with the New York Giants. There is also an autographed photo of Don Larsen, who pitched the sixth perfect game in baseball history in game five of the 1956 World Series.

“He autographed it on the day of his perfect game,” Marincola said

The collection also includes a rare book, The New York Yankees: An Illustrated History by Donald Honig, which includes 30 signed photos of Yankees, as well as other Hall of Fame players.

The bulk of the items on display, Marincola said, were sold to him at a discounted price by Delray Beach residents Jim and Jodi Murray who knew the memorabilia would be donated to the library.

Marincola said he decided to donate his personal collection of Yankee and baseball memorabilia to the library because he thought it was important to share the pieces of baseball history with other people who appreciate their significance.

“I figured, Why not let everyone enjoy these things?” he said.

Another weekend another event

Locals may want to prepare for this weekend’s Twilight Festival, March 22-23 in downtown Delray. The fest features bikes, pro races, kids races, BMX etc. etc.

It’s a hoot. But it will also create some logistical issues this weekend. Here’s our guide to help you navigate.

The following road closures, paid parking facilities and modified trolley service will be in effect on Saturday, March 22, 2014, during the Delray Beach Twilight Festival: For complete information visit www.delraybeachtwilight.com

Road Closures

On Saturday, March 22nd, from 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm:

Atlantic Avenue will be closed from Swinton Avenue to Railroad Avenue
Railroad Avenue will be closed from Atlantic Avenue to NE 1st Street
NE 1st Street will be closed from Railroad Avenue to Swinton Avenue
Swinton Avenue will be closed from NE 1st Street to Atlantic Avenue
SE 2nd Avenue will be closed from Atlantic Avenue to the alleyway south of Atlantic Avenue
Vehicle crossings will be maintained on NE 1st Street at NE 1st & 2nd Avenues but may temporarily be closed during the races
Road closures will not be in effect on Friday, March 21st

NOTE: Intersections on NE 1st Street at NE 1st Avenue and NE 2nd Avenue will be manned by police officers to allow access to the Old School Square Garage and businesses on NE 2nd Avenue.

Parking Facilities

On Saturday, March 22nd, paid parking ($5 per vehicle) will be in effect during the following hours:

– Old School Square Garage, 95 NE 1st Avenue, 12:00 pm (noon) – 12:00 am (midnight)

– Robert Federspiel Garage, 22 SE 1st Avenue, 10:00 am – 12:00 am (midnight)

– South County Courthouse Garage, 65 SW 2nd Avenue, 12:00 pm (noon) – 11:00 pm

– City Hall North Lot, 100 NW 1st Avenue, 12:00 pm (noon) – 10:00 pm

Parking attendants accept cash only, upon entry, and will monitor the parking facilities until the posted closing times.

Downtown Roundabout Modified Trolley Service

On Saturday, March 22nd, the Downtown Roundabout will operate its regular weekend schedule (ROUTE 1, 8am-6pm; ROUTE 2, noon-11pm), providing free roundtrip service along Atlantic Avenue between the Tri-Rail Station on South Congress Avenue to Ocean Blvd/SR A1A. While road closures are in effect, trolley service will detour to NE/SE 2nd Streets to bypass Atlantic Avenue in the core areas. Regular service will resume subsequent to roadways opening. Please expect delays due to additional traffic generated by this event.

Monday Odds & Ends: Mickey Mantle Edition

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