Mickey Mantle: The Commerce Comet - The Legendary Baseball Star

When it comes to baseball legends, there are few names as iconic as Mickey Mantle. Known as "The Commerce Comet," Mantle's remarkable career and larger-than-life persona have cemented his place in the annals of sports history.

The Early Years

Mickey Charles Mantle was born on October 20, 1931, in Spavinaw, Oklahoma. From a young age, it was evident that he possessed an innate talent for the game. Mantle's father, Mutt Mantle, who had once been a semipro baseball player, became his son's first coach and mentor.

As a teenager, Mantle's speed, power, and switch-hitting abilities were already evident. He quickly established himself as a standout player in high school and caught the attention of professional scouts.

Mickey Mantle: The Commerce Comet

by Jonah Winter (Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	45771 KB
Print length	:	40 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

Professional Career

In 1951, at the age of 19, Mantle was signed by the New York Yankees organization. He made his Major League Baseball debut on April 17, 1951, and quickly became a force to be reckoned with. Mantle's combination of speed and power made him a dominant player on the field.

Throughout his career, Mantle accumulated numerous accolades and achievements. He was a 20-time All-Star, won three American League MVP awards, and helped lead the Yankees to seven World Series titles. Mantle's remarkable statistics, including 536 home runs and a .298 lifetime batting average, solidify his status as one of the greatest players to ever grace the field.

"The Commerce Comet"

One of Mantle's enduring nicknames, "The Commerce Comet," pays tribute to his small-town roots. After the Yankees signed him, Mantle was initially assigned to their minor league team in Joplin, Missouri. It was during his time there that a sports writer, referring to Mantle's incredible speed, dubbed him "The Commerce Comet" after his hometown of Commerce, Oklahoma.

The nickname stuck with Mantle throughout his career and became a symbol of his humble beginnings. Despite achieving superstardom, Mantle never forgot where he came from, and his roots remained an integral part of his identity.

The Mantle Legacy

Accompanied by his exceptional talent and immense popularity, Mantle's personal life had its share of ups and downs. Despite his struggles with alcoholism, he remained a beloved figure in the hearts of many. Mantle's impact extended far beyond the baseball diamond, inspiring generations of players and fans alike.

Even after his retirement in 1968, Mantle continued to be involved in the game he loved. He appeared at numerous sports events and became a spokesperson for several companies. Mantle's reputation as a charismatic and approachable figure made him a sought-after guest on various television programs.

Tragically, Mantle's life was cut short when he passed away on August 13, 1995, at the age of 63 due to liver cancer. However, his legacy remains everlasting.

In

Mickey Mantle, "The Commerce Comet," will forever be remembered as one of the greatest baseball players of all time. His remarkable skills on the field, combined with his humble beginnings and enduring popularity, cemented his status as a true legend.

Mickey Mantle: The Commerce Comet

by Jonah Winter (Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	45771 KB
Print length	:	40 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

The ONLY nonfiction picture book about New York Yankee Mickey Mantle, one of the greatest baseball players of all time. 
 
From award-winning author Jonah Winter and #1 New York Times bestselling artist C. F. Payne comes this extraordinary picture-book biography that traces Mickey Mantle’s unparalleled baseball career. He could run from home plate to first base in 2.9 seconds. He could hit a ball 540 feet—the longest home run in major league history. He was the greatest switch hitter ever to play the game. And he did it all despite broken bones, pulled muscles, strains, and sprains, from his shoulders to his feet. How did a poor country boy from Commerce, Oklahoma, become one of the greatest and most beloved baseball players of all time? This is the story.