Mickey Mantle Interview by Bob Costas

Books can't come close to matching the depth of this touching and revealing interview of Mickey Mantle by Bob Costas. Mickey discusses why he drank, when it became a problem and why he checked himself into the Betty Ford Clinic and so much more about his inner self. This is a "must see" for any fan of "The Mick"!

[@billsaunders1]

I’m very fortunate to have been able to call Mickey a friend. I spent years and years playing golf with Mickey after baseball. When he was drinking life was hard for him but when he was sober he was one of the most beautiful and sensitive men I’ve ever known. After he got sober he didn’t live that much longer but he was a changed man but still as down to earth as he always was. We lost Mickey way too soon.

[@waynejohanson1083]

He seems to be a very humble man.

[@user-gn9vu7wn7t]

Alcoholism destroys lives, sad Mickey suffered from it. His name resonates as equal to LEGEND but since you met him I believe you, he was a humble and beautiful man.

[@YogGroove]

Damn. They don't make interviews like this anymore. That was as sobering, earnest, and real as it gets.

[@THE-NC2]

People are too soft to handle interviews like this

[@rsears78]

Such a sweet man, I always appreciated and respected his honesty

[@steve3602]

You summed it up perfectly.

[@tmasbu.5358]

July 31, 1967. V. KC. bottom 8th. S. Whitaker, cf. HR., C.Smith 3rd. HR. Fans erupt, tied game. M. Mantle, 1st. Ball to R. Field wall, leaping catch. Concrete fell upper deck. Score card, J.Gibbs C., gr. ball short? I saw game R. field, G.A. K.C win 9th.

[@Missditabomb]

This is heartbreaking. You turned out alright, Mickey, and many people still hold you in reverance. Rest well.

[@alloutlife4661]

@MANCHESTER UNITED stfu soccer is a boring retarded sport

[@richardlepage7261]

@MANCHESTER UNITED What's your point ?

[@Alkes777]

@MANCHESTER UNITED I've learned to appreciate the game of soccer thanks to soccer player friends who explained the game while we watched. But I still can't wrap my brain around a tie game ending in a draw or even a shoot out.

[@tankhalffull]

Beautifully put..

[@paulspears715]

oh fuck you with stupid soccer shti that non cares about

[@QMPhilosophe]

An enormously flawed and beautiful man. I admire the hell out of him. Not a hint of bitterness, only humility and honesty.

[@RB2331]

I agree and even after he stopped drinking the damage was done ....he would die in a few years ...sad !

[@Missditabomb]

Paul Dirac, Well said! I'll always love "The Mick".

[@paullydon222]

Was my favorite player. But after I saw this when it aired he became one of my favorite people. Truly admirable.

[@jakethesavage8631]

Gayle samplers and dock butkus

[@jakethesavage8631]

Duck butkus

[@rmarty550]

He turned out alright. Mickey had a humbleness and humility that is absent in 99% of today’s players. He’ll always be a hero to me.

[@that_thing_I_do]

Agreed..I met him...all of the above.

[@kennethlatham3133]

My fellow Okie. James Garner, Tony Randall, Jimmy Webb, Bill Harder, Leon Russell, Steve Pryor ------- content to be ourselves, don't care when people make fun of our accents.

[@austinskaggs4184]

I have to disagree with you. Nostalgia is clouding your judgement. There are plenty of current ball players who have a good personality. Freddie Freeman, Paul Goldschmidt, Mike Trout, Miguel Cabrera, Clayton Kershaw, DJ Lemahieu, Bo Bichette, Zack Grienke, Christian Yelich Do I need to keep going?

[@monkeyzuul7808]

You can call Mickey Mantle a lot of things. Humble is not one of them.

[@fredericmartin7148]

Very well said.

[@johammond2020]

Not many people that could or would have the courage to do such an honest and vulnerable interview .. thank you Mick!

[@chazbo0715]

He was as close to “The Natural” as we are ever going to see.

[@jandixon786]

I was lucky enough to get him to sign his book, "The Mick" in Frankfort KY at a book signing. His wife was right next to him. He had huge hands, furry, you could see he was "over it".

[@stevnff]

Mike trout

[@andrewbowlin5766]

Ken Griffey Jr ?

[@Pwnzistor]

He's great. Absolutely amazing. But Mike Trout and Ken Griffey Jr are up there.

[@outdoor802]

Lou Gehrig was decent???? Maybe?

[@smithraymond09029]

Anyone whos every battled alcoholism can identify with this man.

[@TuggSpeedmann]

Absolutely

[@herbwhite7384]

You can see the love Costas has for Mickey even asking some tough questions. Much respect to both of these legends.

[@jackiethompson3770]

Gentle....he's being a gentleman and behaving in a manner that men who know someone else is in pain comports themselves... compassionate...I have a new respect for Costas after watching this

[@herbwhite7384]

@@jackiethompson3770 well put and I came away feeling as you did. I re-watched it and was moved by Mickey's facial reaction when he told Costas that they gave his son a drug called' Dilaudid'. I went and looked it up and it explains why his son had so much trouble. Thanks for your thoughtful reply.

[@jackiethompson3770]

@@herbwhite7384 thank you sir ..and sadly enough I've sat both those seats enough to know grief Andrew compassion when I pay you eyes on....I compare it crudely but quite accurately to grief being a shit sammich we all gotta eat at one point in our lives... somebody may share our grief and take a bite of our sammich for us but no matter how long you eat it its never finished and it always taste like shit..a horrible thing we all at some point must endure and it'll last far longer han it doesn't...

[@MK-tg5cf]

You didn’t turn out alright Mickey, you turned out the best. Im a 19 year old and never got to live on this earth at the same time as you, but you were the closest thing to a hero I have ever seen. Your strength and resilience is unmatched, and has helped me since I was a kid. Rest well Mickey, the people of America love you.

[@petertonies4334]

Very well said. One of the best comments on here, and a great written tribute to the Mick.

[@jimw.4161]

Bob Costas is, without a doubt, a master interviewer. One of the best to hold a microphone. Like all masters, Bob makes something that is extremely difficult look effortless. Mr. Costas is a national treasure.

[@kennethlatham3133]

I agree fully. Read my q.v. comment to that effect on that topic.

[@Allagi22]

Costas is the GOAT in my book.

[@casinosnoopy9900]

You know, i am not really a fan of Mr. Costas, but i readily admit he is damn good at what he does.

[@Mario-cv5el]

He might be a good interviewer but he sucks as a sports announcer

[@sean2015]

@@Mario-cv5elCostas does not suck as a sports announcer, it's just that his forte is baseball. NBC was forced to have him call NBA games back in '98 when Marv Albert was embroiled in legal troubles.

[@wilsonblauheuer6544]

I never felt sympathy for Mickey until I see him in this interview, with tears escaping his eyes . He just looks sincere.

[@paddyb943]

I'm not a Yankees' fan, but I am a Mickey Mantle fan. Hank Aaron once said that he never saw so much talent in one ballplayer as he saw in Mantle.

[@El_jefe_major]

Patrick bickers, that is indeed high praise from one of the all time most humble greats of baseball.

[@judithkozaczuk342]

Jeff Vanevenhoven n

[@judithkozaczuk342]

pop

[@judithkozaczuk342]

Jeff Vanevenhov

[@dzanier]

I think many of his contemporaries would say that. It's interesting you should mention Hank because Mickey once pointed to him as an example of someone who left nothing on the table, who got all he could out of his ability. Even with the injuries and lack of conditioning and self-inflicted punishment to his body, MIckey's numbers are staggering.

[@LegacyProductionsOrg]

it's easy to love the man who tells the truth humbly.

[@marshallbjohnson]

He didn’t drink because of mlb lifestyle. Read the Last Boy biography. He drank bc he was abused.

[@gregkimura8508]

I always wondered why he was so beloved. I think you are right. It's his humility. Regarding his abuse, there are multiple reasons for why people do counter productive things. His family drank. Then he lived a wild life as a MLB player. It was what they did during his time. The parties, the women and not needing to be at the ballpark for the until noon the next day created some pretty bad habits. Guilt of adulatory was a factor in his drinking. And I'm sure the abuse affected him too.

[@amazinggrace9114]

11 years later from your comment, the world is falling apart, how are you James Ellis

[@LegacyProductionsOrg]

@@amazinggrace9114 Still loving the truth. Still frustrated with all the lies that cover up why our world is falling apart.

[@chlduiowks]

Very well said. That level of personal honesty is in short supply

[@BarryHull]

I’m 64 years old and when I was a little kid we lived in NYC and I absolutely loved that man. My parents would ask me in an excited voice who do you want to be? And I would yell, Mickey Mantle!

[@TerryM-eu5ou]

My dad asked me one day in our backyard, I was holding a 5 iron, he said, I’m not sure if you want to be Mickey Mantle or Arnold Palmer..I loved sports! I was 12 years old then..now..73…😊

[@tacogillespie4561]

As a 6 year old child in 1955 there was no hero in my life who was any bigger than Mickey Mantle. He was the man I admired the most for most of my life. God Bless "The Mick"

[@jacobstravail]

You should have had the 1952 mantle!

[@mikewoosley3958]

i'm 72 years young and the Mick is still my hero.

[@bigstuff52]

Mike Woosley.....yah got everything right but the "young" part...

[@sugarsingh4951]

john james lol how u gonna roast the oldies 😂

[@edfowles5096]

So true Mike, same age as you and the Mick will always be my hero!

[@roynachand5843]

I'm 73 years young and Mickey was my hero while I was growing up. For years I kept track of his statistics on a daily basis.

[@markm4496]

why would a baseball player be your hero

[@Kallan007]

My dad was a Yankee fan all his life, and he used to say to me Mickey Mantle was the best of them all. It’s so sad that he was afflicted by the desire to drink so much as he could’ve been even better than he was on the baseball field. Rest in peace Mickey and I love you dad.

[@gb2828]

You dad was absolutely right. Without the injuries and booze he's have easily hit 700/700+ Home runs and carried .330 (or better) lifetime BA and, maybe, even accounted for 2,000 RBIs !!

[@brocklanders3616]

No doubt! Mick was a legend. I'm not saying he was as legendary, but as a kid Ken Griffey Jr. was pretty special. Unfortunately injuries and not being juiced up like the rest, he got overlooked during the second half of his career.

[@MrYellowlabs]

He`s the most "beloved" athlete in American history...and that will never change His only flaw was that he was way too self-critical, and hard on himself. He owed us nothing...we owe him everything for giving us countless great memories.

[@dirtyturban46]

MrYellowlabs He was also a crude, drunken bum who abused women and abandoned his wife and children.

[@donmantel4488]

dirtyturban46 he never abandoned his children!! they were all very close don't spread rumors.....

[@cravinbob]

dirtyturban46 Read "The Last Boy" and you will learn something. Maybe.

[@MrYellowlabs]

cravinbob I read Jane Leavy`s book in `10. Nobody is perfect....Mickey did hurt a few people who loved him....but, he also brought tremendous joy to millions of others.

[@cravinbob]

MrYellowlabs You are correct and I am sure you feel as I do in that he did not do anything vicious but was a product of his upbringing. The alcohol played a huge role in bad decisions he made as well.

[@jamesd2128]

Can you imagine how good Mickey would've been if he hadn't blown out his ACL& MCL in the 1951Series ? Even with that massive handicap, he had a legendary career, absolutely amazing talent.

[@stevenyourke7901]

It’s incredible Mantle ever played again after such a terrible injury. But he was injured again and again through this career and somehow missed relatively few games because of injuries. He played hurt all the time. Heavily bandaged, both legs. And yet, in his prime, he was extremely fast and an excellent base stealer.

[@romankalyniuk2596]

He holds the record for fastest sprint from home plate to first base; 3.1 seconds when batting left handed. He was 18 or 19 at the time. After knee injuries he transformed into a power clutch hitter. Hard to do. Hank Aaron thought Mickey was the most talented player he'd ever seen.

[@casey-capri2914]

This is one of the most honest interviews I have ever seen. As a father and huge baseball fan this video breaks my heart. He seems like a good man that was his own worst enemy.

[@UfoDan100]

I'm 69 , in this year of 2022 and Mickey never let me down. He and Dick Butkus are two of the nicest guys on youtube.

[@jonmichaelburgess2654]

When he said "or the daddy" it broke my heart

[@MrHelp-yd4kn]

Me too.

[@benmiddleton9984]

this is the greatest interview I've ever seen in my life

[@garysimone4977]

Agree

[@robertdunn7364]

NO DOUBT

[@janhodnett781]

Indeed! Left me in tears.

[@robertdutyheavydutyprospec6944]

That was so hard for that man to do that interview to put him self out there but he did it. Mickey mantle was and always will be my hero as a man and a ball played.

[@swhite6936]

Takes a strong man to admit all his flaws and be that brutally honest about his life in front of a camera for the whole world to see. I’m sure he wishes he had done some things different throughout his life but don’t we all? Rip

[@lestergreen1190]

He found religion once he realized he had destroyed his liver.

[@TheVistaview1]

S White - I hated the Yankees but I loved the Mick

[@ernestabdelnour8632]

Lester Green Mickey didn’t find “religion.” He surrendered his life to the Lord Jesus Christ. Former teammate Bobby Richardson, second baseman for the Yankees, led him to Christ while he was ill. He opened his heart and received Christ as his Savior and made his peace with God. Then went on to his eternal reward. And you can do the same if you decide to.

[@terribleTed-ln6cm]

@@lestergreen1190 what a small minded thing to say.

[@lestergreen1190]

@@terribleTed-ln6cm but true. He was a big bum.

[@richb4099]

I cried when he died like he was my best friend.....I loved the man and grew up idolizing him. He was human just like all of us and a super star......

[@syourke3]

Rich B I know what you mean. He was larger than life. His honesty and humility in this interview is very touching.

[@jet3099]

It’s touching to see your childhood hero humbled this way. Mickey was, and will always be, my favorite player.

[@243354]

Wow. What a heartbreaking interview. You can really feel the pain and regret in his voice.

[@briannat1086]

For many years, I was angry at Mickey...for his behavior off the field resembled my father's. After this interview, I can't help feel the deepest empathy for this man. You can clearly hear, see his pain,regret. Amazingly candid, painful interview. Much respect for Mr. Mantle. Thanks for posting this!

[@thecrooner7]

Mickey was my idol while I was growing up. I lived and breathed the Yankees and Mickey. RIP Mickey Mantle. If you hadn’t suffered the horrendous injuries and were privy to the knowledge today’s ball players have about fitness etc, you would have been the greatest. Ever. To accomplish what you did with the awful injuries and lifestyle you led are incredible. And yes...you turned out all right.

[@GKboards]

This interview cuts deep. I admire Bob for going there with Mickey and I admire Mickey even more, (obviously) for having the humility to be honest in front of the world. I find the very end of this interview to be especially profound. Hopefully a lot more people see this video. RIP Mickey

[@danielk9067]

The very end of it is where it cuts very very deep. That's where you see the 1950's legend confronting the reality of his existence in the 1990's, a really riveting piece of TV. If only there was some way this legend could truly understand the depth of his magnitude in his lifetime. The fact that he actually did have a good idea of it and stayed humble pales in comparison to how deep that loves really goes. RIP

[@THE-NC2]

@@danielk9067 RIP MANTLE, alcoholism is dangerous

[@joelmason1075]

@@danielk9067 this was a great interview. I was at the stadium one day as he got out of his car and walked into stadium. He truly was so great. Great interview

[@Bobm-kz5gp]

Very well said, thanks, I wanted to say the same thing but just don’t have the ability to put my thoughts into words like that.

[@jesseorlando9521]

I think Costa is lucky not to get punched in the mouth... I felt 2 of those questions were too intrusive for a person who is obviously suffering. This is a credit to Mickey Mantle the way he humbly kept his cool.

[@paulo1149]

God bless you, Mick.

[@28_gauge]

Indeed...a true legend.

[@1burnman]

He was fantastic as a player and an even better man recognizing his flaws I love Mickey Mantle I don't say that about too many people

[@touchpadpad8245]

No sound!!!!

[@jamesnewman7961]

My Grandmother died of Liver Disease. She died the Same year as the Mick. She couldn't get a Liver for Transplant but Mantle did and he kept Drinking. That changed the way I felt about him for many years.

[@lestergreen1190]

Coming from you that means so much.

[@lestergreen1190]

He was a selfish scumbag.

[@trivellekoolaidrian6921]

@@jamesnewman7961 fuck you Pharisee. Your mind frame is why people don't let go of their past.

[@chucknchar]

Respect from a once little boy, a Detroit Tiger fan, who got to see Mantle in Detroit when the Yankees came to town. I will never forget that day in 1960

[@danielk9067]

I got to Derek Jeter play many times, Mariano Rivera, A-Rod. I also got to see Barry Bonds once against the Mets at Shea Stadium. Roger Clemens, Frank Thomas, Randy Johnson, Ichiro, such amazing ballplayers, but this list pales in comparison to your story. Just visiting Tiger Stadium alone would be a worthy anecdote. I'm thankful I got to go to the original Yankee Stadium (renovations aside) for so many games growing up.

[@bobgolden939]

No man ever made so many people so happy, so inspired. On my lowest days as a poor, lonely kid, I had baseball.i had Mickey, Willie, Seaver and Gibson. It was glorious. No regrets, Mickey. Thank you.

[@jamessams4133]

For me my hero was my dad first and then Frank Howard.

[@mr.d.4175]

I started seeing major league baseball live in 1971. First game was Cubs vs. Pittsburgh with Roberto.

[@dopeydwarf]

I love this, especially the part where Costas asks him if he knows the difference between a role model and a hero. He looked very touched.

[@evanmorgan8799]

The person who he was at the end of his life was a role model...and that's something we should all strive to achieve

[@Kevin_Carlson]

I've never seen a more humble and honest interview. Mickey gave no excuses, only pure heartfelt remorse for what he did to himself. He felt he was a bad father, but no one can deny he loved his boys. What a heavy burden to end a career early, and know for the rest of your life that there could have been so much more. Few people will become icons of Mickey's stature, but many of us can relate to the regrets. Thank you Bob Costas for this beautiful interview. This was your best.

[@jerrypolverino6025]

It’s wonderful to see a giant being so humble and honest. I will always love you Mickey. You never let me down.

[@anon2019]

In 1962 at Candlestick Park in SF I met my hero. During the second World Series played on the west coast, it was just after game 2, out in the parking lot, where the Yankees were getting on the bus - I snuck around the back of the busses, behind the police line hoping to add an autograph to my ball. By that time all but one of the Yankee’s players were already on the bus. The last one I spotted coming out of the exterior locker room door - Maris (the sun was definitely shining on me that day). I had my Orlando Cepeda ball and a pen; this was my wildest dream come true. Maris came toward me on his way to the bus. I was too polite to crowd him, so I stood a few steps back and held my ball and pen out. Maris looked me in the eye, took a step out of his path toward me and with his hand pushed my chest roughly and got on the bus. The Yankees had lost that day and Maris took it out on a 12 year old kid who wanted nothing more than his autograph. To be sure, I was crest fallen. But one of the bus windows slid open and a thick, hairy arm was reaching out, motioning for my ball. I couldn’t see who it was through the tinted window but I quickly obliged myself and handed it over. The bus engine was revving up and when I heard the driver put it into gear my angst of also losing my ball made me half way panic. But the window slid back open and the arm came out, just as anxiously reaching to give me the ball. This time I saw the face; Mickey Mantle. He (and others) had observed Maris’ spoiled sport attitude and wasn’t about to let me leave without compensation. His autograph alone would have been enough, but in addition were also Bill Skowran and Whitey Ford. That’s the stuff that real sports heros are made of. Thanks Mickey

[@DerkThePigMC]

Beautiful story

[@llongdong]

Ya shoulda smacked Maris in da eyes. Blind the fucker.

[@king_supreme1102]

Didn’t know Roger Maris was an asshole

[@johnb7346]

Wow, I'm a grown man and that choked me up. What a memory.

[@larryhall83]

Speaking as a Giants/Willie fan, it was always a thrill to see Mantle play. My grandfather, a lifelong Yankees fan, took me to a game at the old Yankees Stadium in 1964 against Boston. I remember that we left early, and the Sox were ahead, 4-2. The Yankees won the game, maybe on a Mantle home run, not sure. The honesty that Mickey displayed in his last years was beautiful but also heartbreaking. His life is also a lesson for everyone that tends to be hard on self...what a great athlete. Rest In Peace, Mick.

[@chlduiowks]

When Billy was mentioned, you can see the emotion just come straight up. I have four kids, two sons, I felt for him

[@rickguerrero2282]

A good man......he was able to recognize his flaws. I met him in 1966 as a little league ball player in Texas. Later, got to see him play at Yankee Stadium and take a photo with him in the clubhouse. It was like being around the greatest athlete in the world. Peace be with you, brother Mick!

[@danielk9067]

Not just like... you were.

[@kingward8426]

Memorable interview. It took a lot of nerve for Costas to to delve into the inner Mantle as he did, and a lot of grace for Mickey to respond to it as he did.

[@nathanrichmondhoag1021]

They were very close friends. Costas spent a lot of time with him.

[@Droogs]

I had never seen this interview. Brutal honesty from Mickey.

[@dzanier]

I've seen it many times, and it makes me cry every time. It is one of the most poignant interviews I've ever seen.

[@bookemdanno5596]

I don't want to jinx this video, but 355,000+ views, 1,300+ Thumbs Up, and 0 (zero) Thumbs Down. ZERO!!! You never see that on any video, ever, let alone one with hundreds of thousands of views. Thanks, Mick and Bob!

[@guitargod6997]

One of my most amazing memories was when I was a young boy around 1963 or '64 on vacation in Boca Raton, Florida. My family had driven down and we ended up in a nice hotel. First thing we did was change into bathing suits to hit one of the three pools. In one of them was a bar at one end with bar stools in the water. Sitting there were Mickey Mantle and Whitey Ford in bathing suits having a drink together laughing and chatting. I was too timid to ask for autographs and I respected their privacy, but I ended up playing with their kids. What struck me the most was the size of Mickey's wrists, forearms, and thighs. And of course Whitey Ford was an awesome pitcher. They were very close friends. I was awestruck.

[@dzanier]

mickey's body was that of a bulldozer. an absolute strongman.

[@Alkes777]

Jay DeLuca- Good for you for not bothering them. They shouldn't be expected to be "on" all the time. I grew up in New York during the Mantle/Maris era. In 1975 I found myself in Florida at a table across the room from Roger Maris with his family at a Pizza Hut. A PIZZA HUT!! I had just moved into town and had no idea he lived there. I'm not much of an autograph seeker but that sure would have been a cool one to have. It didn't occur to me to even try.

[@ronbonora7872]

@@dzanier he reminded me of Gordie Howe!

[@jandixon786]

That was my thought too when I stood in line to get his autograph. I had his book, "The Mick". A prized possession. Then as luck would have it I met Mickey Cochran's daughter 5 yrs ago. She gave me his baseball card. She signed it for me.

[@johnhealy9238]

Who cares

[@Tommy-76]

He's been called "The Magnificent Yankee"...this was a Magnificent Interview...He was special, though haunted...

[@Army4Runner]

You turned out alright Mick. This interview brought tears to my eyes. R.I.P. brother.

[@rilenixx]

Mickey Mantle! RIP! Not an icon but thee ICON of the 1950s and 1960s. My fathers favorite player of all time. Mickey is all he talked about. Mickey was just a human being who made mistakes just like everybody else does. His were just under a microscope for the world to see.

[@robertrock8778]

Grew up in Towson, just north of Baltimore. Gino Marchetti had fast food restaurants called Gino's, like McDonald's. Alan Ameche also has his restaurants, Ameche's. For $1 a kid could become a Junior Oriole, that included a membership card, a pin (which I still have), plus 10 centerfield bleacher tickets for Orioles games at Memorial Stadium. Remember sitting in the middle of 8, 9, 10, 11 year old kids and yelling at Mickey Mental while he was in CF. He just smiled and waved to the group. A flawed man being brutally honest in this interview. Billy Martin, Whitey Ford, et al are contributors to Mantle's decline. One can only imagine what he could have done with current orthopedic arthroscopy, reconstructive options, and rehabilitation.

[@peterjonsson3807]

Robert Rock I was there then.

[@hofx666]

Bob costas is an asset to the sports world. What a sportscaster

[@rstefanie2622]

I am 62 years old. Life long Yankees fan. First game I ever attended with my father was April 30, 1967 and Mickey homered twice to win the game. I attended MM Day on June 8, 1969 and sat with my father and a friend in section 23 row D lower deck. Best day ever. Mickey is my life long hero. This interview is chilling. RIP Mickey..."you turned out alright"..

[@charliepickard7798]

Always loved The Mick. Mickey you may have not known but we baseball fans loved you and I always thought you gave us your all. Thank you

[@28_gauge]

Mickey had personal flaws, but no different than many of us. He was a phenomenal talent in the game of baseball who was eventually able to come to grips with his personal weaknesses.

[@Missditabomb]

Brian Drewry, And that is the greatest thing he ever did. And I think the man was great, anyway!!

[@brainsareus]

yeah fine, but do you/we extend that courtesy to others? it's so much easier; when we already want to like the person, isn't it?

[@damianfurino3691]

Brian Drewry Thank you so much for your comments! Be well always!

[@ChrisJohnson-hk6es]

I worked so so so hard to buy my first Mantle Card. Not just a Mantle, but an authentic autographed card. I cherish this card so much. While I wasn't alive when he played, he sure influenced me and my love of the game. May he rest peacefully, and thank you Mickey!!

[@clydeb7713]

Was a tragic hero of Shaksperian proportion. Came to grips with his human flaws. Once larger than life. Defined NY in the 50s and early 60s.

[@stanhickerson5768]

Well stated.

[@janetbuchanan8029]

Billy miller

[@haroldsummers4070]

He was one of the best baseball players ever.I don't like the Yankees. But I liked Mickey Mantel.

[@ericm1462]

I am an alcoholic. I’ve been sober for over 5 years and my life is much better. It is still, and always will be hard to deal with the anxiety and depression. Good people make poor choices because of mental health. Interviews like this are what more people need in this world. RIP Mickey

[@MrDeterioration]

Beautifully said.

[@mikerichardson7053]

This is the most honest interview ever.Words don't explain everything but he meant what he said.

[@joeychuzie8581]

Mick you're a legend and I know you are with your son now. You hold a special position in baseball history and the most important thing is you are a great guy and will live on forever.

[@willkittwk]

Joey Chuzie yes Mickey was the ultimate childhood sports idol. there was something totally magical about his presence in Yankee pinstripes and the number 7 he wore. His all American good looks and persona of invincibility made him the ultimate sports icon. there will never be another athlete like Mickey Mantle.

[@ballzanchin7051]

He was a real sport. Just ask his wife and kids.

[@Missditabomb]

What a lovely, brave, honest, shy and humble man. This interview grabs you because Mickey seems so vulnerable and has such a look of hurt in his eyes. Mr. Mantle, you did the right things in the end and you more than turned out all right. The world was blessed by your presence.

[@bobmoss4016]

In May 1991...I was in Atlanta for a Big Family Event. I dropped my Grandmother off at the hotel.... walked to an an Event Center nearby for a Baseball Card Show... Check out the Show...was told Mantle was signing autographs. I literally ran into Ernie Banks to get a view of Mantle. Looked at him for a minute and just smiled.... RIP.

[@markkrauklis8294]

I'm 70 years old. Born in Chicago, the first full year Mickey played, 1952. I named my only son after "The Mick". To me he was and still is the greatest player who ever put on a uniform. When God made Mickey He broke the mold. To me, Mickey will ALWAYS be the GREATEST OF ALL TIME; R.I.P. Mickey! 🤩😍🥰❤❤❤

[@lindapalmbayfl]

Mickey Mantle was always my favorite baseball player. I grew up in Staten Island, N. Y. and was a huge Yankee fan. When MM swung the bat, he wasn't cheated, and when he connected, the ball when farther than a lot of cheap homers you see today. I can't believe he never understood how much people loved him. I would have loved to meet him. He had a restaurant in N.Y.C. and was sometimes there, but I never went,. I never will forget him.

[@charleswinokoor6023]

This is the second or third time I’ve listened to this interview on my phone in recent years. Costas delivers one of the best TV interviews of any genre that I’ve ever heard and seen.

[@a.brucemcdonald9038]

It's heart-breaking that in his heart of hearts he didn't believe in himself as a ball player or a dad.

[@duanewestcot525]

A. Bruce McDonald yes it is. It kind of every fathers greatest fear....not being able to the father to your boys they need you to be. And on top of that feeling guilty for not giving 100% to the thing that prevented him being the father he felt he should have been. But if there was any redemption necessary it was his humility in the end. However i get the feeling he was always humble. He was just blown away by his life and capabilities. His best capability was that of being just a simple human being in a life of a true superstar. Man i wish there was more like him. I hope he found s way to expeirence the forgiveness he so much deserved and piece of mind that follows. Because after all he only had to recieve that redemtion from himself. He gave us so much we could never pay him back. He was real and the benifits he gave our childhoods were real. He did his job.

[@joeyzaza7830]

Lucky to see the mick,play at comiskey park and wack a 3 run upper deck shot

[@htorres11]

Mickey Mantle was one of the greatest ever!!

[@f9qo]

It was always a thrill knowing that Mantle was on deck, and then seeing him walk to the plate. It was the magic of a great baseball player.

[@katrynamcintyre5687]

I was born in 1956 and you were one of my heroes! Thank you Mickey for all that you brought to my life. Love, Kate xoxo

[@synthman2000]

Heart breaking. He was a tortured soul. I empathize with him.

[@tomglavinehof1]

I think the death of his son really really got to him because I think he felt responsible but he wasn’t. Mickey started living his life the right way in the latter part of his life and he made amends. Being a ball player for a living and being away from your kids I’m sure was tough on him and probably one of the reasons he drank.

[@RMBrumLtColonelretUSMC]

I played ball for 40 years and always wore number 7 Mickey Mantle was my favorite of all time

[@gerrycain7901]

you where everything to millions,a fantastic human being flawed yes,you are forgiven micky,love you

[@toddrichardson8595]

You were one of the "Greatest" Mickey Mantle! A true humble athlete who admitted his flaws and was loved by many! He would've loved Mike Trout..

[@ernestolombardo5811]

This is the most direct and intimate yet gentle interview I have seen in my life. It's incredible. Hey Mickey, you didn't "let me down" because you didn't break Ruth's home run record. Numbers aren't everything. And speaking of numbers, just how many World Series rings did you finally get, seven? In any case, you created a compelling chapter, all your own, in the history of a great, poetic sport. Plus you OWNED Manhattan. King of the heap. That's experience that very few get to enjoy.

[@o2setup]

I am 68 years old and a born and bred Boston Red Sox fan and I don't know why but Mickey Mantle was and still to this day my all-time favorite baseball player go figure but after watching this I now know why.

[@sportsrevisited9699]

Mantle is the kind of person you just can't help but like. i don't think i ever heard anyone ever say anything negative about him.

[@BrandonIslander]

The moment Bob Costas explains to Mickey how he is a hero, you can see how much it sunk in how much people loved him without knowing the person, just the player... More athletes need to understand this today. Everytime they step out wether on the field or out in public, they are admired by kids and adults alike. You see how athletes today feel the need act like rockstars, but they need to aspire to become hereos and role models. Especially in children's eyes, who emulate these athletes. We miss you Mickey, rest in peace

[@Airforceproud95]

Legend

[@hermanmunster714]

Mantle is an icon and a legend and a genuine classy guy. Probably why he didn't knock Costas out, because he had class.

[@aljay2955]

Bob Costas has an annoying voice and is extremely arrogant.

[@thomascieslak7956]

This man hit a home run at a game at tiger ball park that I watched it was a a home run that I have never seen again in my life it was incredible because it started a knee high and end up in the second deck, total power that well never see again

[@erwinmonti5066]

GOD DIDNT MAKE MANY GUYS LIKE HIM. THANKS FOR EVERYTHING YOU GAVE US. WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU MR MANTLE.....

[@averagejoe511]

God I love Mickey's voice. Its like every time he says something reminds me of a country song.

[@jeffrey3498]

Mickey never got to take a rest. His body wore out prematurely. RIP.

[@syourke3]

Mickey was the heart of the Yankee lineup for so many years on so many great teams and he was a hero to millions of fans. I was one of them. Watching this interview moved me deeply.

[@1burnman]

He was fantastic

[@1burnman]

Me too

[@j.howell7726]

A bit of a stretch to say, "he was a hero to millions."

[@1burnman]

Not really you ask a kid of the fifties tell tell you Mickey Mantle was there hero and sixties as well

[@ballzanchin7051]

1burnman My dad was a kid in the fifties. He is black and his hero was Willie Mays.

[@JG1570]

He turned out alright. What a true hero and role model. R.I.P. Mickey Mantle. Would have been honored to meet you.

[@bomboclat_man]

Lol role model?? Suuuuure - shytty dad, husband and person to his fans...raging adulterer and alcoholic. Guess it's the American way. So you might have a point.

[@JG1570]

No you miss my point. As you can see in this video he is very much full of regret. And he wasn't a shitty father. I admit he could have done a better job when it came to spending time with his kids. But at least he wasn't abusive with them. As for the drinking and adultering. Fame and fortune can do that to anyone. Happens with alot of celebrities

[@Judeaben]

+Bomboclat Man : try reading b4 you reply. Mr Gibney did not condone Mr Mantle's behavior, merely alluding to his overcoming of issues, such as the kind you mentioned

[@JG1570]

Thank you very much

[@kevincerce5056]

I met Mickey at a few BB card shows. He would talk to us vendors prior to the general public entering most venues.

[@Broadfieldpoint]

Mantle and Maris.....untouchable. Unstoppable. Its never been the same.

[@seanmurphy3329]

Micky...... You were just human but view as hero to some and a role model to others. The public has a difficult time wrapping their heads around you just being a man. With all thr problems and troubles we all have.

[@betsygraber8150]

I just named my rescue dog "Mickey". Very moving interview.

[@bdamia]

The emotions conjured up while watching this, for me, were indescribable...Costas (and "the MICK" himself) brought their "A" game to this interview and in reality, "this" was Mickey's final home run...RIP Mick...and thank-you Bob Costas for showing there's a distinct difference between a "role model" and a "hero".....

[@pauliej22]

Mickey was the epitome of a human being...Tremendously gifted and loved yet struggles that alot of us have...He is one of the best players and yankee of all time. Talent wise, arguably the best ever #7 #yankee #great

[@victorkreitner754]

No one else could of done this interview better than Costas did it.

[@Missditabomb]

Can't stand Bob Costas patronizing ways, but awww this is touching. Mickey Mantle never realized his worth as a human being. He is so naive in answering many of the questions put to him. I'll always remember this. My step-father died of the same illness a year before The Mick. I sobbed and sobbed when Mickey Mantle died and realized that my step-father never realized his greatness either. Truly touching.

[@docantonio2001]

my man still after all these years....i see and hear him and remember - his humble personality

[@Fugettaboutit]

It's not about how hard you fall, it's how well you get up...and how you help others get up. We miss you, Mick.

[@briancallan3085]

I met Mickey Mantle in Sept. 1988 at his bar and restaurant in NYC. He was an absolute gentleman. We did have a cocktail but nothing crazy. He recommended that I go to Runyon's for dinner because Bob Costas does a radio show from there. I did go to Runyon's, and I had dinner elbow-to-elbow with Bob Costas and his wife. They were super nice people. For Bob's radio show, his guests were Conrad Dobler (NFL Dirtiest Player, and Frank DeFord - famous Sports Illustrated writer). Now, that's an evening!!! I got to smoke Cuban cigars and drink with Dobler to 2 in the morning.

[@tee1up785]

RIp Micky. My grandpa played with him in Joplin MO. I grew up taught that Micky was a god. I miss the stories from my grandpa. I’m 40yrs old. This video is like Superman losing his cape. God bless ya Mick. I’m sure my grandpa will buy the first round in heaven. 2018

[@rocknroll909]

You can really feel the admiration Bob has for Mickey here.

[@yankeefan42]

Amazing interview, brought tears to my eyes. RIP Mick

[@bigdawg7262]

Greatest in baseball history had he remained healthy, and still in the Top 5 all-time regardless.

[@RoscoMontana21]

I’m 25 and have been an alcoholic for the last 5 years. Finally coming to my senses now and quitting, and I never knew that a legend like Mickey Mantle suffered from it to. Just goes to show how dangerous that stuff really is.