The Mick: Mickey Mantle
Mickey Mantle joined the Yankees in 1951 and in three years time, became the switch-hitting super power we know today as “The Mick.” Between 1954 and 1961 Mantle led the American League four times in home runs, six times in runs, and once in RBIs, the latter occurring in the year (1956) that he won the triple crown for home runs, RBI, and batting average (.353).
My grandfather tells me it was during the 1957 season that he came to love Mantle. And after I reviewed Mantle’s ’57 numbers, I know why. That year, he led the league in runs and walks and finished the season with a .365 average, second only to Ted Williams (.388). He only grounded into five double plays that year and he reached base more times than he got out (319 to 312).
Click the play button below to listen to Ron Barr’s interview with Baseball Hall of Famer Mickey Mantle.
Blue Goo Medicine Minute
Head and Mouth Protection: Think about whatever sports you're into these days and be prepared to take a shot to the head or mouth somewhere, some time, or some how. There are several ways to protect your precious cargo. Click below to listen.