Mantle, Mickey (1931-1995), ranks among the leading home run hitters in baseball history. Mantle hit 536 home runs in regular season play. He spent his entire major league career with the New York Yankees–from 1951 through 1968. He mainly played center field and was a switch hitter.
Mantle led the American League in home runs four times. He was named the most valuable player in the American League three times. Mantle won the triple crown of batting in 1956. That year, he led the American League in batting average (.353), home runs (52), and runs batted in (130). Mantle hit 18 World Series home runs, a record. Unlike most sluggers, he had great speed. However, various leg injuries reduced Mantle’s base running effectiveness during the 1960’s.
Mickey Charles Mantle was born in Spavinaw, Oklahoma, on Oct. 20, 1931. He was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974. Mantle’s autobiography, The Mick, was published in 1985. He died on Aug. 13, 1995.
