In light of a new book that was just released, we felt compelled to make this public statement. Was dad an alcoholic? Yes, he could be unruly sometimes and say rude things but alcohol does that to people. It makes a person say and do things that they normally wouldn’t do and say. When he acted rude towards people, he later deeply regretted it. So for these writers and other people to keep bringing up this issue is actually good because it points out why he got help in the first place. Was he a bad father? No. He never left his family and always made sure we were well taken care of. He had a heart of gold, always thinking of others. After his father passed, with dad at the young age of 21, he assumed the high pressure role of family provider and took care of everybody including his mother, brothers, sister, and his in-laws.
We are so proud to call him our dad. From the time he co-wrote his original biography “The Mick” in 1985 until his final days when he said “I am not a role model”, he was completely honest and open about his life. While in the Betty Ford Clinic, he received tens of thousands of cards and letters of support and thanks. His actions became an inspiration to others with the same problem which meant a lot to dad. He has no idea how many people have come up to us and expressed their sincere appreciation for the example he set in seeking help for his alcoholism.
Not only was dad loved and respected by his family and friends, he was equally loved and respected by his team mates and many of his opponents. More than anything, dad wanted to be known as a great team mate. That was everything to him. That’s all he wanted to be known for. Not the long homers, World Series records or his Hall of Fame career. He was a fierce competitor on the field and a great friend off the field to his team mates. Those he played with and against, as well as his true fans, knew dad far better than the writers of today who base their stories on one interview with him or never even met him at all.
All we can say is that dad was not perfect. None of us are. But, he wasn’t a bad person either. We know the world is a different place today looking for sensationalism, but to write someone’s life story using only half truths and not focus equally on the good as well as the bad is disappointing to us that loved him. Dad has been gone for over 15 years now. Many of his friends and team mates are gone too. Every new book that is released about him has to rely on more and more third party accounts and less on eye witness accounts and stories. We know that we can’t change the things that are written in these books but his true fans know his career, his courage, his competitive spirit, what he accomplished and what he meant to a generation of baseball fans. That will never change. That’s why we feel that we must address this to let the fans know because you were so important to him. So, thanks to the people that loved and respected him all these years. You mean the world to him and the Mantle family.
Danny and David Mantle
I`am a 72 year old man that loved to which your Dad play and always loved and respected him. I am very touched by your letter.
MIckey was my hero growing up in the 50’s and 60’s. In baseball, little league thru college, I always wore the number 7. I remain inspired by the way he played through so many injuries that tried to rob him of his talent. He beat them all! I love the Mick.
David, my cousin Louie Schechtel never mentioned your dad or anyone else. After your Dad had passed and Louie had some health issues, he gave me a copy of A Hero His Whole Life, with a beautiful inscription from you.
That writer probably can’t hit the curveball, or he would be a Doer.
Your Dad is an inspiration.
My Dad thought he was just as good as DiMaggio, and that’s saying something coming from him.
JT
Your Dad was my boyhood hero and learned of his difficulties with alcohol as we all did especially in his later years. I too had issues related to alcohol and have for the most part resolved them using your Dad as an inspiration. You both don’t need to back down from anyone and I agree that most now wriiten about him is just third party nonsense. God Bless you both and the Mantle family
David and Danny,please be assured that no one is perfect. Perfect can only be found In a dictioanarty I had the honor to see The Mickand I loved him Many years ago I traveled to Okla. and many people tod e howheheped everyone Mickey I my book will always be on the top of the list.thankyoufor giving me the honor to write to both of you.
I was born in 1952 when Mickey starred in the WS at age 20. By the mid 1960s when I came of age as a fan, of course he was well past his iconic years and unfortunately for me, so we’re the Yankees. But the greatest respect I ever had for him was not the # 7, I wore thru little league, high school, college, and men’s softball, but rather as a man in my 40s, listening to Mickey humbly speak to help others to learn from his mistakes.
Great letter. A tribute to your father.
Your Dad was my childhood hero. I remember being in awe watching him play at old Yankee Stadium. I remember tears of joy while screaming after he hit a home run. Years later in 1995, I remember where I was when I heard about his passing. Tears came to my eyes again and this feeling came over me that my childhood was finally over (at 46). I realised then that he symbolized my childhood. Happy 84th birthday thank you for being there in my youth.
Your Dad was my childhood hero, AND WILL ALWAYS BE my hero. I first saw your Dad play in Kansas City. My dad and I would take the Mickey Mantle Special train from Tulsa to KC to watch him when I was 8.9.10 years old. I was fortunate to get to see him play in several games in my time, but interestingly enough, NEVER saw him hit a homer in person! Was also fortunate enough to meet him at Indian Springs Country Club, here in Broken Arrow, when he was the MAIN draw to the Gatesway Golf Tourney that year. He shook my hand and put his arm around me and asked if I was getting some good pictures. I was videoing from one of the Ts. I was SO surprised when he walked towards me, that I practically froze, was in such Awe, that he was right there in front of me, AND shook my hand & put his arm around me, that I TOTALLY forgot to even ask him to autograph a ball, and a photo I had of him, with me!!!! Your Dad , will FOREVER be my Hero.
Your dad posed for a photo with my 8 month old son in October 1994 . Two months later your dad signed the photo. Although he can’t remember the meeting the photo has always hung in this room and from tee ball through college my son has worn number 7 on his back. Thanks to your dads inspiration
Dear Danny and David,
I am a native New Yorker and your dad was my childhood hero. Period. You know why? He was a fighter, a non quitter and admired by my own dad, who died young. He too was my hero. Hence, I had 2.
I reflect on many of my own reverses in life, and many times am reminded of how your dad played through thick and thin, ill & injured, up or down. He said he was no role model. To me, he was and still is.
I heard once that a saint was far from perfect, contrary to the belief of many. A saint, really, is one who just lets light in. The light of love, determination, do or die, playing the game in spite of all odds and causing others to want to do the same.
Your dad, as was mine, were men most memorable to me.
I am 61 and was at the 1961 World series with my dad when I was 6. It was my first and last ball game I ever attended. My dad passed away from cancer 5 years later.
I just your father’s book “All My Octobers” and I loved it, not just for the baseball but for the honesty with which it was written. I refuse to buy any of the biographies written about him for the reasons you mentioned. Not interested in a book about his life written by someone who never met him.
It’s sad that we’ll never know what he might have accomplished on 2 good legs. There would be no Mays or DiMaggio debates. As it was he had a legendary career and life. Thank you for this site.
My favorite childhood memory was watching your dad play at Yankee Stadium in August 1965. I read his book The education of a baseball player and enjoyed learning baseball fundamentals from an all time great. It was also enjoyable learning about his childhood in rural Oklahoma. Most of his fans know that he played his complete Hall of Fame career with Osteomyelitis in his knee. It took courage to enter the Betty Ford clinic to be treated for alcoholism.
The mick was my hero I wanted to be just like growing up. I always wore number 7 and trotted around the bases like . I can’t tell you how many radios I broke everytime he hit a home run I got so excited I just through them up in the air. I was very forntunate to catch his 500 home run ball in 1967 . It was a dream that I had for months come true. There isn’t a day that goes by that I never think about him. He is and was the greatest ball player and hero a boy can have. Your father was the Greatest that ever lived period.
I am a 65 year old man but there is not a day goes without thinking about your Dad! When I went to church I thought only Jesus and the Mick could walk on water! When I was 12 my parents took me to Cominsky park to see him play! He didn’t that day but saw him leave wearing a blue polo shirt and kakee pants! The first time my son ever saw me cry was during the services at his funeral. Bob Costas did an excellent job! When he asked why I was crying I told him when Mickey Mantle passesed away so did my childhood! You two are doing an oustanding job in preserving the memory of your father who meant so much to us in our generation! God bless both of you and thanks!
Hello Danny and David. I am a long time sober member of AA. As of this writing I am 48+ years I went to the old stadium and watched him play. He helped allot of people come in to AA and get sober.
The New York State Baseball Hall of Fame is thrilled to announce the induction of NYYankee legend Mickey Mantle and his best friend, legendary Yankee Billy Martin. The Induction will take place on Sunday, November 18th at the Hilton Hotel in Troy, N.Y. We invite any of Mickeys fans to attend. Tickets are $75.00 per person and can be purchased by calling 518-877-5170. David Mantle and Billy Martin Jr. will be attending. On November 18th, Mickey and Billy live again, inducted together as best friends. See our ebsite : http://www.nysbhof.com.
Mickey was amazing, as a kid he couldn’t have been more loved in my world. When he came out and said not to do the things he did in regards to his drinking,, well, that’s a real man!
I remember reading an early book on his rise to becoming drafted by the Yankees. The role his dad played was so heart warming as my dad was an alcoholic and did not spend time with me. I learned to switch hit like the Mic did and was pretty successful although not star material. He was such a super hero to me and to others in my school. I got to meet him in early 70’s. He was the same unassuming and polite person I knew him to be. At the time of this comment, I am 73 yrs. old. I still watch “Home Run Derby” and marvel at his power. I had opportunity to go to original Yankee Stadium and marveled at where he hit the ball on the façade. Pure physical power without the opportunities afforded the current day athletes through training, etc.
Never be another Mic.
Your father deserved sons like you. You would make him proud in coming to his defense. Those who seek impune his character without justification are of no consequence. He was the idol of countless young boys, myself included. To us he was “perfect”. Only God can give a man a talent such as that. I thank him for the memories and thank you for coming to his defense. Long live “the Mick”.
I saw “The Mick” hit a home run in Baltimore, Md. in 1957 while I was in the Army. No one could look better running the bases after hitting a home run.
The 50’s and 60’s were a great time to watch Major League baseball and the great World Series. Especially in 1956 when a no-hitter was pitched in the World Series and the fact that “The Mick” won the triple crown.
My dad also named me after Mickey Cochran.
My dad saw Mickey and Roger in the summer of ‘61 at Baltimore where Maris hit one of his 61 that year. Such a great memory for both him and my uncle. He was 9 years old and tells the story of Mickey running sprints right in front of their seats like it was yesterday.
“Look, something about Mantle and the circumstances of his career and life moved people,” he said from St. Louis. “It went beyond his specific accomplishments and beyond rooting interest. These are undeniable, emotional truths and the darker aspects of his life don’t invalidate them any more than what Richard Ben Cramer wrote about Joe DiMaggio invalidates the DiMaggio that Hemingway and Paul Simon were touched by.”
I am 77 years old and your Dad was my idol. He meant the world to me.
in the summer if 1956, the year he won the triple crown, your dad and his family lived in a cul-de-sac
across the street from me in River Edge, N. J…
My dad took a picture of your dad,with your brother Mickey Mantle Junior, my brother Danny and myself.
I cherish that photograph. and have it in my living room where I live now in Cary, North Carolina
with my wife Harriet.
Your dad was a hero to so many of us in that era. Nobody is perfect, but your dad really became a
wonder to all in the closing days of his life. Such an honest and respected individual.
When your dad passed away on August 13, 1995, I cried for 1/2 hour and then went to the Yankees
Cleveland Indians game at Yankee Stadium where David Cone pitched a 4-1 victory over the Indians.
I saw in play in the first baseball game I attended, in the spring of 1962, at the Stadium. Unbelievably, the Yanks lost to the lowly Senators, but Roger and Mickey hit back to back HRs, so what did we care? He gave us all a lot of amazing memories. Thanks for sharing him with us.
Well said indeed David and Danny. As your Oklahoma Yankee cousin, I was fortunate to know your Dad, as you know, in the true light outside of the bright lights along with all of his team mates. He was so humble and gracious every time we were together. He was just one of the guys and always conducted himself appropriately every single time I saw him. So I wholeheartedly agree with you guys that these people who are writing books to make a buck and going off third hand stories don’t have a clue who your Dad really was deep in his heart. He and my Grandfather Allie drove to work most days together early on and came home just like anyone else would do coming home from work. But reading these falsehoods one would assume he and the team were out every night which could be nothing farther from the truth. The Mickey I knew that showed up to everyone of my Grandfathers awards and banquets would be on his best behavior and spoke eloquently about how Allie took him under his wing when he first showed up in New York and helped him to get suits and to get his haircut. He always broke down noting that Allie was the one Yankee that showed up for his first parade in Commerce Oklahoma and Mickey never forgot that gesture.
So, I have nothing to to say about your Dad being a hero or a roll model because he was just another guy my Granddad worked with, no big deal. But what was a big deal to me was how kind and generous he was and how he always went out of his way for others and all of his “associates”. And I spent time with him through his hard years on numerous occasions but I never once saw him be unkind or get out of hand. And we were out on the town in New York just going to dinner and hanging out at random places.
As I look back, it’s very obvious to me how comfortable and laid back your Dad was out of the lime light and public and any human would need to have their space. But once he had to enter the public world he had to guard himself from everyone because you never knew what people were going to do. It happened to all of the players obviously but the guys with the elevated fame like your Dad, Joe D., Yogi, Ted Williams, etc. got the worst end of it indeed.
So in summary, all this first hand eyewitness,,on decades of numerous private and public accounts, can say is, Mickey never had a drink in his hand 24/7 as some would like to speculate and he was always gracious and kind as he could be, period!
My memory of Mr. Mantle is something I will never forget. I rode with David on the back of a motorcycle to their home. David said keep walking no matter what he says. They had a beautiful tribute room at the back of their home. Mr. Mantle was a charming and sweet man. Someone you are comfortable with immediately. I couldn’t keep walking. It was the MICK! He spoke briefly and told me where to find David. I followed the music.
My heart would skip a beat when Mickey came to bat. I would roll with laughter when I heard of some of his antics off the field. My heart broke with his liver replacement and his cancer. I cried when he passed.
I am a better person because Mickey was my hero.
To Danny and David Mantle: I was 11 years old living in Manhattan when Mel Allen started telling Yankee fans that a young man with superstar potential was being brought up to the big leagues at age 19. From the very first, I was a devoted Mickey Mantle fan, and suffered and rejoiced with him and the Yankees during the glory years. Did my affection last? At age 80, I still have a baseball jersey with #7 on it.
Nothing anyone writes about the Mick could ever compromise my opinion of him, because I was one of those who lived his life story on the field with him. I am very aware that he had to adapt to the temptations of New York City without a father to mentor him, a wife to be there to come home to after the games, or even a manager who could have been a father figure to him in his early years. I believe that without the injuries and the huge outfield at Yankee Stadium to keep so many long fly balls in the park, he would have gone down as the greatest baseball player of all time.
And I am especially pleased and proud that his surviving sons recognize his innate goodness, and are here to come to his defense. God bless both of you.
My deceased husband was a huge fan of Mickey. He has all of his books and could recite his career stats in any crowd. Mickey was one of the first to attend The CT Sports Foundation in CT, which aids and assists victims and families of cancer patients here in CT. Many of his own teammates have done the same. My husband met Mickey on a few occasions. Our home had become a Mickey shrine, due to his respect for the legend, and the family man. My husband requested a blue NY7 to be put on his own gravestone..which I was proud to do. He was also proud of Mickey’s public announcements regarding alcoholism. It must have been so difficult for his family. But his family and true fan base will always stand by his legacy. God bless you all. And I’m sure my husband is now “talking Mickey’s ears off” with statistics and memories..with his hero. This brings me peace for my own loss.
As a father, a son and student of life .. I think it’s safe to say that your Dad would be proud of you as his sons. And as father’s yourself, you have the good fortune of passing on those valuable life lessons to your children and their children. If your letter is any indication at all of the type of sons and fathers you’ve become – I’d say your father’s legacy and final messages of humbleness, contriteness and honesty is safely intact. Both my son and I still play catch from time to time with my 1960’s era Mickey Mantle Rawlings baseball gloves … and it still brings a smile to my face remembering what your Dad did for all us who love baseball and the Yankees ..
I’m 65 soon to be 66, I’m from Tulsa, Oklahoma and was named after your Father. My name is Mickey Mantle Linley.
I had the pleasure of talking with your Father back in the late ’80’s or early ’90’s on QVC it was a life long goal of mine. He was very nice and asked me a few questions about Oklahoma. It was a moment that I’ll never forget.
Thank you men, you are a credit to both your mum and your dad. Too right, your dad may not have been perfect but he also had his fair share of abuse and trauma, lofty expectations placed upon him from the moment that he could walk and had an enormous weight of responsibility placed upon him at such a young and tender age. Your dad was only human … he bled, cried and yes wet the bed into his teens. That’s why we loved him. It was his fragility, energy and explosive power. Yes it was only those closest to him who indeed knew him the best and as long as you and they hold him dear, then he can rest in peace knowing that ‘He done good’. May his memory endure and may he rest peacefully now with your beautiful mother who was a stoic and rock of support to your dad during his good times and his bad. All the best to you and your families.
25 years ago this 14th day of 2020, I was inspired to write a little poem entitled “In Every Boys Heart” In 1996 I was able to meet with David Mantle and give him a framed copy for the family. Today you can find it in Oklahoma City at the Mickey Mantle Restaurant in brick town.
In Every Boys Heart
I grew up in a time, when men were men and so were little boys told to be;
Most had role models, and most had the same as me;
We would dream to be like our heroes, when we thought of growing up;
Men like Eisenhower and John Wayne were special but still they weren’t quite enough;
In those days of Baseball, Hotdogs and Chev-ro-La;
When a boy was ask, who he wanted to be like, The same answer came, day after day;
It was a time of Crew-cuts, Davy Crockett Caps and shirts made of flannel; and The man most boys wished to be like, was a ball player named, Mickey Mantle;
It was a special time in history and so was Mickey;
He played ball from his heart and became a friend and a hero to many;
When Mickey came to bat, America would stop to see him hit; and When the ball made contact with his bat, the outcome, most young boys, would never forget;
Not every time but quite a lot; It was more than a homer, it simply left the park;
Mickey would round third, headed for home; and
When he scored, he never scored alone; because
In the hearts of his fans, and there were many;
When he played ball, so did they,
No matter what town, no matter what city;
He played the game as no other did; His pride of fair play, devotion to the game, and character,
seemed to live, in each kid;
Now, almost thirty years have past, since he last played the game; but Still to this day, most young boys who grew up, watching him play; will tell you, Ballplayers today, may seem great; but when Baseball, was Baseball, Mickey Mantle, was the name of the game;
He played his heart out, for many years;
He played for little money, but received lots of cheers;
When Mickey retired, Baseball for millions, was never the same; We couldn’t think of the game being played,
Or a man coming to bat, without thinking of his name;
Now, on August the 13th, of 95;
All grown little boys, pray for Mickey,
Because, today he came to bat for the last time;
His life had led up to a full count; and
When the final pitch was delivered, this time, Mickey Struck Out; but As I think about Mickey and I know I’m not alone; somehow I can picture God as an umpire, telling Mickey to ” Go Ahead and Cross Over Home;
I’m sure God had a good team before, now He has the best; and We as grown little boys, still have a hero, we will never forget;
I can picture Mickey, up at the big ball park in the sky;
With millions of new little ball players looking up to this guy;
When out of the blue one little player steps up to speak,
with the Oklahoma man; Mickey being himself, bends down and offers his hand;
As they shake, the little leaguer says, ” HAY MISTER ” they tell me you played , like know other; and
I was A-Wonder-Un ” HAY MISTER ”
would you sign my, Louisville Slugger;
Now my story goes, one step beyond; and
I write it that way, to show, no matter what,
Mickey will never be gone;
He played ball for us and ” All Out” from the start;
Even in death, he plays for us, He’ll play forever,
because Mickey still lives,
In Every Boys Heart
Your Dad brightened the lives of countless people, including my Dad, my brother, and me. We never felt he owed us anything except 100 percent effort on the field, and we surely got our money’s worth on that account. One of the reasons so many people are fond of him was, besides his talents as a hitter, runner, and fielder, he was always the picture of class when he wore that uniform. As for his failings—which weren’t all his fault, but that’s another story—someone a lot smarter than me put it well: “Let the one among you who is without sin cast the first stone.”
I grew up in Chicago. I saw Mickey at the age of seven at Comiskey Park. I have been a Yankee fan ever since. The only regret I have in life is that I never met him. Mickey Mantle has been my “idol” all my life. He is the greatest player to ever take the field. He did more on one leg than most do on two. I have been to his grave and the Hall of Fame, the closest I could get to him. You two men are doing his legacy proud. The true believers in your Dad will never believe the garbage out there about him. My prayers are always with you and your family, and with your father. God Bless you.
Many people on average, wait till someone passes on to talk about them, good or bad and many bring up what they call the bad habits or some of their downfalls as a person, Many like Mickey, in the limelight handle life differently than others, Many Americans and people worldwide turn to alcohol, and not openly admit it. When you in the limelight and must perform, it brings out the pressure to be the best at what you do, which has a tendency to lead to doubts, bad habits, drinking or maybe chain-smoking, or drugs, to hide doubts about what you’re not doing to your best or fullest in that area. It’s been said many times, Mickey Mantle was every boy’s Hero and in every boy’s heart. Nothing can be said about Mickey Mantle that will ever change that and how many fans felt about MICKEY MANTLE and it will continue till the end of time…
When I was 11 years old in 1962 , I believe, your Dad broke his foot and I wrote him a get well card. He wrote me back and I framed that picture in my room. Your Dad was my hero and always will be. I wore #7 in Little League and always used a “Mickey Mantle” bat! Thank you for this response to the upcoming book. Unfortunately, we live in a time where people want to destroy a hero rather than honor them. I suppose my response to those who attempt to tear down Mickey Mantle is Rhett Butler’s iconic quote from “Gone with the Wind” … ‘Frankly my dear … you are great sons and we will always root for your whole family.
It is a great tribute to your Dad that his family loved him so much.
The Mick was terrific in many ways.
I grew up in the 50’s and 60’s in New York so when anyone said the name Mickey everyone knew who you were talking about. My mom and dad were my heroes alone with Mickey. Mom wasn’t much of a baseball fan but any time I wanted to go to see the Yankees, my mom would tell my dad and he would take me to the game. I saw Mickey a lot but I never saw him hit a home run in person. I went to both of Mickey Mantle games that the Yankees had for him. I was so sad when he played his final game but when I heard that morning that he died, It was one of the most devastating things I’ve ever had to deal with besides when my mom and dad death. I met him and Whitey at a minor league game, got their autographs and I asked if I could get a picture with them. I knelt down in front of the table so my wife could get the picture when Mickey laughed and said hay come back here with us so she can get a good picture. That was Mickey! Sure he wasn’t perfect but who of us are. So boys be proud of your dad, he did a lot of good things too. In my book, I’m 72, he is a GOAT (greatest of all time).