Mickey Mantle was born on October 20, 1931 in Spavinaw, Oklahoma and died August 13, 1995 from liver cancer. Hitting 18 home runs in World Series games alone during his 18 years at bat for the New York Yankees, is a record still held today. He was one of histories all time great major league baseball players.

Although he played many sports like football and basketball when he was very young, baseball would be his greatest achievement. A New York Yankee's scout, Tom Greenwade, watched Mickey hit two home runs during a Baxter Springs Whiz Kids game in 1948. Mickey was only 16-years-old and still in high school at the time and couldn't qualify for a farm team contract. Greenwade returned the next year on Mickey's graduation day, signing him to a contract with the Independence Yankees minor league team in Kansas.

Mantle also played for the Joplin Miners in Missouri before becoming a Yankee team mate on April 17, 1951. During his first World Series game on October 4, 1951, Mickey played right field next to Joe DiMaggio against the Giants. He then took over center field the next year when DiMaggio retired. Moving to left field in 1965 and then to first base in 1967, his cancer and leg injuries began to slow him down. His running ability was dwindling.

On March 1, 1969, Mickey Mantle announced his retirement and in 1974, he was placed into the Baseball Hall of Fame. His Yankee uniform (number 7) was also retired. Many of his final messages to his fans centered around his mistakes and alcohol problem, saying, "don't be like me."