Mickey Charles Mantle was born on October 20, 1931, in Spavinaw, Oklahoma. Mantle's parents were named Elvin ("Mutt") and Lowell Mantle. His nickname was "The Mick," and he was a switch-hitter, who went on to win four home-run championships, a Triple Crown, and three most valuable player awards during his 18-year career with the New York Yankees.
Mickey played baseball and basketball at his high school in Commerce, Oklahoma, and was also a star halfback on the football team. During one game, however, he was kicked in the leg and developed osteomyelitis. This was a bone marrow disease that…
