On April 17th 1951 baseball great Mickey Mantle made his Major League Baseball debut, playing centerfield for the New York Yankees.
Born Mickey Charles Mantle on October 20th, 1931 in Spavinaw, Oklahoma. He died on August 13th, 1995 of cancer (Cirrhosis of the liver) at the age of 63.
Also known as The Mick, The Commerce Comet.
Mantle played 18 seasons for the Yankees playing centerfield and then moving to first base from 1951-1968. On March 1st, of 1969 he announced his retirement due to persistent knee injuries. He appeared in 12 World Series with the Yankees winning 7 of them.
Career Stat Line...
.298 AVG, 2,415 hits, 536 HR's, 1,509 RBI's, 1.676 runs scored, 1,733 walks, 153 stolen bases
Career Highlights...
His No. 7 was retired by the Yankees on June 8th, 1969.
The Yankees dedicated a plaque in Monument Park on April 12th, 1970.
Inducted into the Hall of Fame on August 12th, 1974.
Holds numerous World Series batting records.
Won 7 World Series Championships.
3 time AL MVP winner.
Selected for 20 All-Star Games.
Won a Triple Crown (1956) with .353 AVG, 52 HR's, 130 RBI's
Gold Glove Winner (1962)
AP Male Athlete of the Year (1956)
By - SC
