1987 - Mickey Mantle

Late Night with David Letterman

[@Missditabomb]

He is like a little boy. I don't care what the criticisms are about this man, I love him.

[@stevefowler5970]

@jim shoe why would that be ironic?

[@waynej2608]

I love to hear Mick talk about the old times. He's just so wonderful and engaging. A great guy, and a helluva ball player!!

[@lagunaflyguy]

@MANCHESTER UNITED F.C Yeah but there is no sport more challenging or one that requires more talent than hitting a baseball coming in at around 100 mph from 60 ft. away.

[@gregduva9411]

He's a huckleberry.

[@jackgraham3]

Most of the criticism is… “He’s like a little boy.”

[@michaellahana7662]

When asked why he always held his head down while rounding the bases after a homer, he said “Eh..the pitcher is embarrassed enough..” A class act!!

[@TheDelano4]

Sounds like pitchers need to toughen up.

[@patdevitto9697]

Towards the end of Mickey's career my dad got me tickets to a Yankees Senators game. When we got there Mickey was not in the lineup. I was 10 years old and so disappointed. In the 9th inning with Yankees trailing by 1 run they got a man on base. Now the crowd was on their feet screaming. I didn't know what was going on. My dad then lifted my up to see #7 had come out of the dugout to pinch hit. He swung two bats to warm up and batting lefty hit one into the right field stands to win the game. My Dad and I were jumping up and down. I think we were happier than anyone in that stadium. Although I saw dozens of games after that one, It was the only homer I ever saw Mickey hit. Great memory of my Dad and I!

[@tankhalffull]

Love it! What an amazing memory of an amazing time with your Dad...

[@paulburgio8278]

Your story brought tears to my eyes; Mickey has alway been a hero of mine. My dad brought me to Yankee Stadium for the first time on August 11, 1964 when I was 9. I can’t remember what Mick did that day but it was great just to see his swing. Thank you again for sharing about you and your dad.

[@garyyost5568]

Mick's interviews are always fun to watch.

[@TheLeftyrighty]

I met him twice. Once at the Stadium and once at his Restaurant. What a gentleman. He was my boyhood idol. R.I.P. #7!

[@4orrcountry]

@MANCHESTER UNITED Oh, you AGAIN? Why?

[@johnotto4931]

4orrcountry cuz soccer SUCKS! That’s why he trolls baseball

[@TheLeftyrighty]

@@johnotto4931 correct

[@Viking380]

4orrcountry, Because the guy’s a bleeding wanker who’s only joy in life is being an annoying twit !

[@johnotto4931]

Don Davis 🤣🤣🤣

[@Kevthkid]

He was my hero growing up. His testimony on alcoholism is so profound

[@Missditabomb]

Great storyteller. So jolly, yet shy. Love you, Mick!! Rest in Peace.

[@Danimal77]

Mickey was a great storyteller and the story he told was hilarious.

[@garymorris1856]

Yes, he was very entertaining, and at his best, there were none better.

[@MK-tg5cf]

Mickey mantle really lived a hell of a life. Was one of the greatest ball players of all time and spent a lot of his career living life to the fullest. Imagine coming up with a guy who becomes your best buddy and 20 years later you both go into the hall of fame together. Magical. The bond those 2 must have is incredible, 2 of the greatest yanks of all time. Rest well to the both of them.

[@KP-dz6rk]

I’m 7 on my team all because this guy was my dads idol. I watched his game tapes and stuff and I realized he truly was one of the greats

[@tomoday4450]

That’s one of the very best interviews with Mickey ever 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻❤️🙏🏻

[@cheddarcheese7928]

Mickey is before my time.But damn the man tells the best baseball stories.Man,I really hope there's a heaven where he can be one of the boys again..A true legend!

[@kenbranaugh8251]

He's the best. You apparently have good taste in celebrities. Too bad he had to stoop so low as to be this sexual predators tv show.

[@legend9948]

I can remember being 12 years and in my neighborhood we had a small family owned grocery store at the end of my block. All the kids in the early evening would hang around the store drinking soda and listening to Yankee's baseball games on a transistor radio. We did a lot of different things while listening to the game like pitching baseball cards or racing our bikes around the block but when The Mick came to bat everything stopped. He was the first television Sports Super Star and we were in awe.

[@ralphrienzo4416]

"The Mick" My favorite athlete of all time...Loved this guy

[@aa697]

💯👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@jimallen8]

I was at that game. August, 1963, Memorial Stadium, Baltimore. In June, Mantle broke his foot, leaping up at the center field fence in Memorial Stadium, chasing a Brooks Robinson homerun. When he was carried off the field on a stretcher, Oriole fans cheered. When the Yanks returned in August, Mantle had been on the DL list for eight weeks. As he describes it here, he was heavily hungover from a party the night before. Houk puts him in to pinch hit. First pitch, he hits a homerun to tie the game. The entire stadium stood up and gave him a standing ovation as if to redeem themselves. The Yankees went on to win the game. .One of the most thrilling moments in sports I have experienced in person.

[@jimallen8]

@Mark Richardson He could have been, but serious injuries through out his career, and alcoholism, were considerable obstacles. He had moments when he was the greatest, and he brought a new dimension to the game not seen before his time - lightning speed and power, and he could hit from both sides of the plate. .

[@bigpardner]

www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=mantlmi01

[@Pronzini1]

@Mark Richardson No...........not even close. The best was a guy named Babe Ruth

[@samsmith4216]

You just repeated everything we just heard from Mantle on the video. Thanks

[@jimallen8]

@@samsmith4216 You're welcome.

[@bennylevine387]

Always seemed like a good-hearted dude. I couldn't have asked for a better legend to look up to when I was coming up.

[@billbartoli9766]

He was my idol. I grew up in the Bronx and saw him play many times. RIP.

[@kelliebrooks9094]

Good stuff....thanks for sharing

[@tinyman520]

I grew up after Mickeys playing days were over, but as a child I would watch old vhs tapes of Mickeys interviews and game play. I would watch them through rewind and start over. I didn’t know any other teams and very few players until I was into high school. Wish I could have shook his hand one time.

[@kevinpantera4429]

All class. The Mick. One of the fastest down the 1st base line in the game. Tremendous switch hitter. Great player!

[@rfrazier553]

I love the Mick my favorite player since I was 9 I'm 67 now . Still love this guy

[@donslater6727]

Mickey my hero..and I was lucky enough to meet him twice..some thing I'll never forget

[@MHB48615]

I didn’t like him growing up because at the time I was a Pirates fan. But I was well aware of just how good he was. He’s my baseball idol now. And he has been for a long time because I’m an old man now. SO much respect for what he accomplished as a baseball player. Mickey Mantle is as good a player that has ever played the game. Love his stories, especially the Denny McClain one about his last at bat in Tiger Field.

[@Giessen-cr6gn]

I was a limo driver in AC years ago and I took Mick to a private plane. He dropped 35000 dollars on to the tarmac after a memorabilia show. We made sure he got every penny back. Hell of a human!

[@BobHarvey-cd7tx]

Great ballplayer and great story teller.

[@joeyrko1]

Just imagine what we’d say about Micky today if he had taken better care of himself!! Look what he did in the game drinking and partying every night, he was still great. Just imagine if he didn’t do all that partying. Man could of had numbers that could never be touched.

[@andaimhineach4131]

Not to mention his bone issue and knee injuries right from his rookie season!

[@joankaminski8697]

What an interesting man. And funny! We need more like him nowadays. Amen. He was my son and husband’s idol. Have many baseball cards of him. No I want to keep them. A great Man he was!

[@bryanweis]

My first sports hero

[@mariogrillo6637]

I followed Mickey all my life,I still have my Rawlings MICKEY MANTLE GLOVE,what a player****

[@jamesmccranie705]

RIP Mick.. I loved you thru it all and for you to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior makes my heart happy

[@tonyvincent9753]

He certainly had a way about him! Brings tears to my eyes.

[@rfrazier553]

Yes when people had respect and didn't shoot their mouth off.

[@MGoJr]

I could listen to this guy stories all day

[@tankhalffull]

There's only one GOAT... his name is Mickey Mantle.., he signed his '64 Topps card for me, then shook my hand.., I was a grown man and a little kid all in one...

[@wreckanchor]

As great as he was I wonder how much better he would have been if he had not tore his knee up and also taken better care of himself. I never saw him play but I was told when he was young he was so fast he could have been an olympic sprinter. Unreal god given ability. rest in peace Mick.

[@williamcurrin4449]

Watching on TV every time Yankees played. He was my boyhood idle and hero .

[@corbinmcnabb]

Don't know about Olympic speed, but before the injuries took their toll, he was considered the fastest major leaguer.

[@ObamaFromKenya]

@wreckanchor he was timed before his first injury running home to home (360 feet) in 13 seconds. That works out to approximately (360/3 = 120 yards/ 13 seconds) 9.2 yards per second. That’s a 4.34 40 yd dash time, pretty common in todays NFL. But remember, he was going around the bases, not a straight line. So in a straight line he’s closer to a 4.30 40 yd time

[@rayray4192]

He was a terrible father and husband. A lousy human.

[@rayray4192]

Also got involved in the insurance racket. Not a good man.

[@rowdyrx6109]

My boyhood hero! Love the Mick and that era of baseball

[@marclevine3139]

Remember the game he was talking about. Was listening to it on the radio. It was a long HR.

[@blazersaint144]

this guy had to fight demons from childhood abuse and sickness that almost killed him along with his father dying so young then was brave enough to repent at the end and be transparent and get baptized in Christ. One tough cookie and IMO the best ballplayer ever.

[@Missditabomb]

Blazersaint, I didn't know that about Mickey. What childhood abuse did he endure, and what sickness did he suffer from? No excuses, but his trials and tribulations might explain a few things about him.

[@davidr5961]

Truly the best; if only he had two good legs, he'd have held every record

[@jimallen8]

@@Missditabomb Disease: osteomylitus. . Sexual abuse as a young child by his half sister. .

[@Missditabomb]

@@jimallen8 Really? His half-sister? How awful. I am surprised I haven't read that somewhere. Poor guy. I don't think anyone really recovers from sexual abuse. So sad for the Mick. And his illness was serious and life-threatening. No wonder he had all of those injuries. Mickey Mantle suffered a great deal in life. No one can judge this man, as some like to do about his alcoholism. Mickey was a damaged soul. I think he tried very hard to be bright and sunny and always smiling. Poor guy.

[@jimallen8]

@@Missditabomb The osteomylitus was a result of a high school football injury to his leg. Doctors feared they would have to amputate but thanks to penicillin the osteomylitus was cured. The story about his half sister came out when he and Merlyn (his wife) were watching a tv program about sex abuse and he confessed "that happened to me," as Merlyn described in "A Hero All His Life". .

[@MrDevin62]

R.I.P. Mick.

[@andrewbici5421]

A true legend.

[@rusvaryag6172]

One of my boyhood hero's. THE MICK!!!

[@marcschneider4845]

I was too young to see him in his prime, but the one thing I remember is him hitting a walk-off homerun (not called that back then) in the 1964 World Series against the Cardinals. I was 8. By the time I was old enough to really remember much, the Yankees had fallen apart and Mickey was over the hill. I didn't see Willie Mays in his prime either, but I did see Hank Aaron. If you had those three in the outfield, you wouldn't lose many games.

[@michaelrini3654]

The name Mickey Mantle still is great to hear even in 2022! The man did live hard, but his play made up for it!! Always loved the Mick.

[@johnnyjohnson157]

I was there in 87 when he was with Billy and Whitey. It was during spring training in 87 with the Yankees. it was during the fantasy camp days

[@Breeder333]

We miss ya Mick.

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

This is a guy who has so many great stories he probably couldn't remember them all!

[@cheaptoyman]

Mickey is the BEST. Always loved.

[@jacob45415]

Would’ve been the best baseball player if not for injuries he still is a top 10 imo

[@ALSmith-zz4yy]

I was surprised to find out Mickey Mantle came to my small city in 1986 to open a new minor league baseball stadium. How they managed to get him to come to this remote part of the world I'll never know. They must have told him Billy and Whitey were coming too.

[@yankees4ever504]

WE LOVE 'YA MICK!!

[@AmorBesos123]

I love Mickey ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@headshotsongs9465]

He was a kid from Oklahoma. Played in the minors. Fought through injuries, but he hung in there. Then came the Yankees. More injuries. And just kept playing.

[@thomascorder6686]

Greatest talent of all time!

[@MrSaints74]

I would have loved to watch this man play. He is a classic baseball player, and more recently I have learned a lot about him.

[@stripervince1]

My idol growing up in NYC in the 1960s. Loved this man my whole life. What a personality. He was a riot. Great storyteller. I was at mickey mantle day in June 1969. Still have my ticket stub. Wow and his video, Tom seaver, Gary Carter and the mick. All gone.. Because my dad grew up in Brooklyn in the 1950s and was a Yankee fan, he taught me to switch hit when I was 4. Just like mutt mantle did with mickey. Ive Been a real good ball player my whole life because of the mick. Now I am a golfer at age 62, and I play lefty and right pretty good as well

[@Garvarino]

Who cares

[@stripervince1]

@@Garvarino go away troll with 2 followers

[@brucehutchins]

My very first childhood hero at 7

[@billbergendahl2911]

This man certainly burned the candle at both ends, but he was a great player.

[@davidr5961]

when you were friends with Billy, you went out, got drunk, and raised hell...

[@gerryyaum]

What a likable man.

[@alf7443]

I’m 74 and a life long Yankee fan. I’ll never forget the incredible home run race he and Roger Maris had in ‘61. I’d run home after school the day after a game and read the sports section of the news paper to see if Mickey and/or Roger had hit any home runs. They were neck and neck all season long but poor Mickey ran out of gas at the end. For my money Mickey was the greatest. I get a big smile thinking about those days. By the time I became a fan in 1960 Mickey had lost his blazing speed but he was still fast and still had the pop in his bat.

[@jerrykibbe6363]

Saw a pic of him in the locker room in the early 50s He was totally ripped 6pack abs the works. And he didn’t lift weights

[@stephencampbell2018]

I was born on the day he hit what was arguably the longest home run ever hit...against the Senators in '53. My 2nd favourite player ever...just behind Gehrig.

[@JamesJones-bd1jg]

I always loved Mickey. All through the 1950’s and 1960, I followed him every day in newspapers and magazines. I used to get the morning paper to check to see if he had homered the day before. This was before I went to school. We as kids worshipped him. It bothers me on these interviews that these people go right to the drinking issue. He set so many records that these interviewers could fill hours of interviews on his playing ball. Instead they go right to the negatives. I think letterman and other talk show hosts suck big time. This man was such a hero to millions of kids. All they wanted was to belittle him for ratings. Mick was a hero to us and could no wrong. Still is.

[@glennevans5824]

Another fact he was so fast a runner when he came up…he wud of had an even greater career…however h3 caught his spike in the Yankee stadium drain in center field ripped ligaments back then was never the same…just had natural strength and talent..RIP …Mick….still miss yah after all these years…great to see this…

[@Peter-we8iw]

What a regular down to earth guy! Didn't carry himself like a superstar despite his greatness on the field. Today our major leaguers receive too much money and adulation.

[@moonpaws1]

"All my Octobers", a great read.

[@josephmazzotta8813]

Mickey mantle was # 7 I was born on 7

[@anakina1]

I never tire of hearing his interviews. He is a great story teller and the stories themselves are funnier than anything that could be made up. If only he would have taken care of his body, his numbers would have been staggering.

[@albanymike]

And imagine if he played during the "Juiced Ball' era!

[@denniscassley2569]

Just think of what: 1) MIGHT have been, 2) COULD have been... & Most Importantly, 3) SHOULD HAVE BEEN!!!!

[@hj-xb2tr]

Having his knee torn in half at age 19 (thanks to Dimaggio) probably held back his numbers a lot more than his partying.

[@bobplunkett3584]

I in

[@bobplunkett3584]

Ok

[@dennisgeary2740]

Wow! What a great guy Mickey Mantle was 😂

[@gordonchassin8202]

Just a good ole country boy from Oklahoma

[@dougsmith5529]

I love this guy. What a hero

[@ildemaroaguirre3104]

MICKEY MANTLE. THE BEST PLAYER IN BASSEBALL EN THE WORLD. MICKEY THE GREATEST OF ALL. GOODBYE FOREVER MY FRIEND. IGA.

[@teddylopez509]

Poor Mickey he could be so humble when he wasn't drunk. Ted Williams said Mickey was the most humble ballplayer he ever saw. Mickey also liked Ted Williams a whole lot. Too bad Mickey didn't take care of hmself and, got hurt so much, no doubt would have been thhe greatest player of all-times. Buck O'neil from the negro leauge said best who saw great black and, whte players 'A MICKEY MANTLE ON TWO GOOD LEGS MIGHT HAVE BEEN THE GREATEST PLAYER OF ALL-TIMES'. MICKEY MANTLES' BIGGEST FAN.

[@michaelbelfer1069]

Teddy Lopez Williams also said that. "Mantle was the most naturally gifted baseball player he ever saw". This coming from the man who called Johnny Bench ," A hall of famer for sure" seeing him play a weekend series.

[@greenfuzz13]

Jim Bouton tells that story in Ball Four. It's great hearing Mickey tell it on himself.

[@jacopman]

Micky Mantle absolutely idolized and at the same time was scared to death of his father...that conflict from childhood carried through unresolved conflicts through much of his adult life............

[@keefebrown5356]

LEGEND

[@f9qo]

It's been quite awhile since number 7 walked to the plate, but it's still something that I can see clearly.

[@19trebor53]

The Mick sure looked great in a suit. Even better story.

[@funzo1159]

Helluva player. Helluva guy.

[@bgmeadows6085]

You got that right!

[@emg8810]

Played in the 3rd annual Yankee greats tournament honoring Mickey back in July 1976. After three autographs, I asked Spec Shea to get one more for me. By this time I was on a first name basis with Mantle and Ford. He saw me coming over to his table and said to Shea, loud enough so I could hear, "Next time tell this guy if he wants an autograph to come over and get it himself." Then, he looks up at me with that Oklahoma grin. Ford, ever the troublemaker says, "yeah Eric, what do you have to say to that!" My answer was lame, but . . . let it go! My point is that Mickey was a generous, fun-loving, caring individual. Great to be around.

[@itsNRC]

5 tool player , one of the first true 5’s to play & play that well

[@williamholzman5117]

Love Mickey. What a great life that had to end so sad.

[@billmkyzl933]

I went to a double header. In one game batting lefty he golfed one in the front row last seat in the upper deck. Next game right handed a monster liner opposite field deep in the bleachers. I will never forget that.

[@JohnCapizolaSr714]

I switch-hit because of this guy in the '50's and '60's. I did have an invitation to try-out with the Cinncinatti Reds when I was 15. And then the 1970's hit.

[@Garvarino]

Ya ok

[@johnshelton5470]

Mickey Mantle the best

[@KnockOffBeingFat]

Mickey Mantle.... What a great Baseball Players name! Its even cool just saying it.

[@LeoWhalen1933]

He was great at two things: Drinking and playing drunk baseball.

[@legend9948]

He was the first television Sports Super Star and I've read that because of television the baby boomer generation had 1000 more sense perception images a day than the generation before them. That had something to do with his popularity he was much more visible than the star athletes before him

[@edlutz7218]

Because of Mickey I taught myself to switch hit when I was 8.

[@MeneerHerculePoirot]

Same here at 9. A power hitter from both sides until puberty. Then bass from one side and banjo from the other. lol

[@Plantlady70]

I was in love with him when I was 7.

[@richardmcnally2056]

Love ya Mick. Come back and play some more.

[@jeffcesnik2830]

love the mick hitsa home run hard part is running around the bases lol

[@rwhirsch]

"to make a long story short..." i love that.

[@Patriot751]

How charming, a great story !!!

[@josephbarnett2566]

Saw him and Marris hit home runs in same game August, 20 1961 Cleveland. Dad took us there from columbus...videod..grainy film!

[@ORagnar]

7:50 RIP Gary Carter :-(

[@joeambrose3260]

And # 41

[@michaelfolchetti4624]

My boy hood hero!

[@mikewhite4560]

Mickey = GOOD SENSE OF HUMOR

[@felixchoi7397]

An amazing man.

[@bfee20021]

Drink heavily, hit a home run. Duly noted.

[@Missditabomb]

LOL!!

[@fernfreeman1729]

That's when the game was still a game, now with the overblown contracts, players are robots.

[@plasteredbastard]

mickey struggled with debilitating alcoholism and the subject was one he always kept at bay when it was brought up.

[@redsoxclover11]

My favorite players who ever played . Mickey Mantle , Ted Williams , Babe Ruth , Willie Mays , Ken Griffey , Nolan Ryan.

[@philipselden7264]

...Robert Clemente

[@jimdavis2385]

I guess Mickey was my first sports hero. I was too young to know about his drinking, but he was a Hall of Famer long before Cooperstown made it official.

[@ddarcher100]

Mickey Mantle forever...

[@robertdegeorge8635]

Now that's a real man.

[@tlew7032]

Imagine his career if he didn’t drink as much. They don’t make em like this anymore what an awesome guy.