The truth was that Mantle’s physical demons did give him a huge burden to carry and at times put him in the hospital. It was 50 years ago, during the 1961 season, that a hip injury stopped Mantle short in his pursuit of Babe Ruth’s 60 home run season record.
Mantle missed some games in September of 1961 and finished with 54 home runs. Teammate Roger Maris broke the home run record with 61. He played in more games and had the huge advantage of hitting in front of Mantle in the lineup.
The summer of 1961 captivated the country as the “M&M boys” pursued the Babe’s place in history. Mantle, Maris and the great world championship Yankee team of 1961 later inspired a Billy Crystal directed movie, 61*.
That season also transformed Mantle into more of a hero than ever before. As he approached his 30th birthday, Mantle’s physical tribulations had been sufficiently documented to the point he was admired for achieving what he could. And Maris, a lesser talent than Mantle, was seen as not worthy of pursuing the great Babe Ruth’s record. If anyone deserved to be Ruthian in post-World War II America, it was Mantle.
Mantle would never have another season like 1961, although he did win his third American League MVP award in 1962. In his last season, 1968, he fittingly hit a late September home run off Jim Lonborg of Boston.
Although he never played baseball again, he continued to be one of America’s greatest idols. He would return to old-timers games in Yankee Stadium and hear thunderous applause. He had a national youth baseball program named after him, and fans travelled to Monument Park in Yankee Stadium where a plaque honored him and a handful of other Yankee greats.
Mantle died at age 63 from cancer. He was an alcoholic, reportedly convinced he needed to party because of the young ages when death claimed his male relatives. Age 63 was apparently a bonus for “The “Mick.” Born on October 20, 1931, he would have been 80 this fall.
The Twins open spring training later this month. Fans will watch to see how slugger Justin Morneau is recovering from his concussion. And each time Joe Mauer comes to the plate, wearing No. 7, fans know they’re watching a great ballplayer.
Baseball moves on but in the winter of 2011 there’s no forgetting “The Mick.”