Small | Medium | Large

     Mickey Mantle was born on October 20th, 1931 in Spavinaw, Oklahoma. Mickey attended Commerce High School where he became a multi-sport athlete playing football, basketball and baseball. Mickey was offered a scholarship at the University of Oklahoma for both football and baseball and an injury he suffered in football changed his life. During a football game, Mickey was kicked in the shin and the injury became infected with a formerly incurable disease called osteomyelitis. Mickey was treated and they were able to save his leg with a new form of penicillin, but he suffered the rest of his life.
      Mickey began is career in 1948 when he played with the Baxter Springs Whiz Kids, where he was first noticed by scout Tom Greenwade. Mickey impressed Greenwade so much that he wanted to recruit him that day, but Mantle's young age of 16 prevented that. Mickey graduated high school in 1949 and signed with the Yankees for $400.00 that year with a sign on bonus of $1,100.
      Mickey Mantle arrived in New York in April of 1951 and started his mark on history. Mickey played right field until 1952 when he switched to center field; replacing fellow baseball great Joe DiMaggio. Mickey moved to Left field in 1965 and ended his career at first base. Mickey retired from the Yankee’s in 1969 after spending 18 successful years in New York. While playing, Mantle won three American League MVP titles and played in 16 all star games. Mickey still currently holds the record for the most home runs in a World Series.

Tags: ...