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Mickey Mantle was born in October 20th 1931 in Spavinaw, Oklahoma. His father Mutt Mantle was a semi-pro baseball player. His father loved baseball and named his son Mickey after the Detroit Tigers catcher Mickey Cochran. From a very early age Mickey played baseball with his father and was taught to be a switch hitter. His childhood was typical of most young boys playing all types of sports. During his high school years in Commerce, Okla. he was an all around athlete and was injured playing baseball. This injury would later develop into osteomelitis that eventually affected his career in major league baseball.

Mantle starting playing for the New York Yankees minor league in 1949 at 18 years old. It was 2 years later in 1951 that he was called up to the majors. Mickey's contract was for $145.00 per week with a $1500.00 sign on bonus. His first year he played right field but eventually replaced the legendary Joe DiMaggio's center field position, who retired after the 1951 season. Mickey's career had a slow start but it was soon apparent that this young ballplayer had a special talent to bring to the game.

Mantle excelled in his career in baseball. He was a member of the New York Yankees from 1949 till his retirement in March 1969 at the age of 38. His 18 years as a major league player was successful with a number of awards and accolades. He led the American league 4 times in home runs, 6 times in runs and once in RBIs. When "The Mick" as he was affectionately known retired he had accumulated a lifetime total of 536 home runs.

Sadly Mickey Mantle was diagnosed with liver cancer, cirrhosis and hepatitis due to his life time of heavy drinking. He received a liver transplant in June 1995 but the cancer had spread. He died on August 13 1995. A career that expanded almost 20 years with so many achievements "The Mick" old # 7 will live on in our memories for years to come.

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