American · Spavinaw, Oklahoma · Born 20 October 1931American baseball legend who played his entire 18-year MLB career with the New York Yankees, winning 7 World Series titles and 3 AL MVP awards.
Mickey Charles Mantle was born in Spavinaw, Oklahoma in 1931, named after Hall of Fame catcher Mickey Cochrane. He joined the New York Yankees in 1951 alongside Joe DiMaggio in his final season. His 18-season career produced 536 home runs, a .298 batting average and seven World Series championships. He won the Triple Crown in 1956 — leading the AL in batting average (.353), home runs (52) and RBIs (130). He won three AL MVP awards (1956, 1957, 1962). He was a 20-time All-Star. His tape-measure home runs — including a 565-foot shot in Washington in 1953 — were the stuff of legend. He played his entire career on damaged knees that required multiple surgeries, and what he might have achieved fully healthy is one of baseball's great hypotheticals. He battled alcohol addiction throughout his playing career and beyond. His retirement in 1969 was followed by years of drinking before he achieved sobriety late in life. He died of cancer in 1995 aged 63, saying his lifestyle was not something to emulate. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974. He is considered the greatest switch-hitter in baseball history.
Switch-hitting power and speed despite chronic injuries
How They Played
Switch-hitting center fielder with exceptional power and speed
Lasting Impact
Greatest switch-hitter in baseball history
Career Honours
- World Series 7x
- AL MVP 3x (1956,1957,1962)
- Triple Crown 1956
- All-Star 20x
| Team | Period | Games |
|---|---|---|
| New York Yankees | 1951–1968 | 2401 |
American Athletes