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Joining Casey Stengel’s New York Yankees in 1951, alongside teammates Joe DiMaggio, Yogi Berra and Phil Rizzuto, Mantle struggled for much of the season. Mantle quickly broke his slump after a brief stint in the minors with the Kansas City Blues and some inspiration from his father with the threat of working with him in the lead and zinc mines. Mantle returned to the Yankees in 1951 to win the World Series over the New York Giants the same year.
Mantle went on to spend his entire 18 year career with the Yankees. His career statistics and achievements are among the most impressive despite being plagued by injuries throughout his career. A 17-time All-Star and 3-time MVP, Mantle batted .300 or more 10 times, 4-time home run leader; Mantle won the triple crown (batting .353 with 52 home runs and 130 RBIs) and the American League MVP in 1956 while also leading the Yankees to a historic World Series championship over the Brooklyn Dodgers, which included Don Larsen’s perfect game in game 5. Mantle is also regarded as the greatest switch hitter in baseball history, the only player to record 150 home runs from both sides of the plate. His fielding performance only added to his greatness, with an incredible .982 fielding percentage as a center fielder and earning a Golden Glove Award in 1962.
Mantle appeared in 12 World Series, leading the Yankees to 7 championships and holding World Series records for the most home runs, RBIs, extra-base hits, runs, total bases and walks. He’s among an elite group of hitters to join the 500 home run club with 536 career home runs.
Mantle was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974, his first year of eligibility.
