Mickey Mantle, The Mick, American Icon. Came out of Oklahoma like a comet at age 19, in 1951 to succeed 'Joltin Joe DiMaggio' in center field in 'The House that Ruth Built', Yankee Stadium. Greatest switch hitter to ever play the game of baseball. 16 times an All Star. Led Yankees to seven World Series championships. Holds all time World Series records for Home Runs {18} Runs Scored {42] and Runs Batted In [40].
Mickey did not just hit Home Runs. He hit the ball out of stadiums all over the league. Some measured at 600 feet and longer. The length of two football fields. When asked about Pete Rose's record for most singles ever hit, Mickey is said to have replied, "If I hit that many singles I'd wear a dress".
In 1956 Mickey won the coveted Hickok Belt as Athlete of the Year. Same year he won the Triple Crown. leading both leagues with an awesome .353.batting average, 52 Home Runs and 130 Runs Batted In., and the first of his three Most Valuable Player awards. No juiced baseballs or steroids back then, just pure natural power.
Retired March 1, 1969. Inducted into Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974. His number 7, retired by Yankees. He said in 1976, when I die I want on my tombstone "A great teammate"
Died August 13, 1995. Liver failure, due to Alcoholism.
Lived fast and died too young, only 63.
At CJD we honor the accomplishments of Mickey Mantle...Another Working Class Hero...and that is something to be...