Mickey Mantle
Mickey Mantle was one of the greatest baseball players in history. Sometimes referred to as \played for the New York Yankees from 1951 to 1968. During these years he hit 536 home runs and received 3 MVP awards. He was a switch hitter and is the only player in history to hit 150 or more home runs both right- and left-handed. He played in 16 All-Star Games and 12 World Series', winning seven of them. In fact, he still holds the record for most home runs in a world Series—18. In 1956, he had the highest batting average in baseball (.353), hit the most home runs of anyone (52), and had the most runs batted in (130). His jersey, (#7) was retired. In 1974, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Not all baseball fans might know this, but he also appeared on a recording with Teresa Brewer, called "I Love Mickey," which she co-wrote with Bill Katz and Ruth Roberts. Brewer, who had many hit songs during her career was so impressed with Mantle's baseball skills, she said one afternoon while leaving the ballpark something to the effect that, "He's so good that somebody ought to write a song about him, which she did. Part of the lyrics include, "I love Mickey (Mickey who?); you know who—the fella with the celebrated swing. Oh, I love Mickey (Mickey who?); you know who—the one who drives me batty every spring. If I don't make a hit with him, my heart will break in two. I wish that I could catch him and pitch a little woo." The novelty song was released in 1956 (after he won the triple crown) and managed to crack Billboard's Hot 100.
But perhaps he should be remembered most for his honesty. He drank alcohol for 40 years, and it ruined his health. After having a liver replacement, he had a press conference in which he spoke to the kids: "Don't be like me. God gave me a body and the ability to play baseball. I had everything and I just…." At that point he threw up his hands…. It is reported that his last words were a warning: "Please don't do drugs and alcohol. God only gave us one body." He was right. Mickey Mantle especially identified with the song, "Yesterday When I Was Young," made popular by Roy Clark (1969), and asked him to sing it at his funeral, which he did. This is not your typical funeral song, but he thought the words fit him. (They can be found on the next page.)
Mantle was nearly 64 when he died. Who knows how many more years he might have lived had it not been for all the alcohol he consumed? It was not uncommon for those born in his era to live into their 80s. Even Tyrus Raymond Cobb (Ty Cobb) who set 90 Major League Baseball records and was born in 1886) lived to be just shy of 75 years. So, Mickey Mantle robbed himself and his grown children of time together. It takes a truly great man to admit his mistakes.