Damn Yankees by Edward Drobinski - HTML preview
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Damn Yankees
Page 350
multi-purpose, domed sports stadium. In the sixth inning Mantle hit the park's first home run. By 1965, however, Mantle and the aging Yankees were slowed by injuries, finishing sixth in the AL rankings. Mantle hit .255 with 19 home runs and 46 RBI in 361 plate appearances. He was again selected as an All-Star, this time as a reserve player, and did not make an appearance in the game.
In 1966, his batting average increased to .288 with 23 home runs and 56 RBI in 333 at bats. This improvement was largely due to strong performances in June and July, when he returned to his
normal form until sidelined with another injury. After the 1966 season, Mantle was replaced by Joe Pepitone in the outfield to lower his need to rum, and spent his final two seasons at first base. On May 14, 1967, Mantle became the sixth member of the 500 home run club.
Mantle hit .237 with 18 home runs and 54 RBIs during his final season in 1968. As a result, his lifetime average was to dip below .300, which caused him a lot of anguish. That year, despite his lowly numbers, Mantle was selected as an All-Star and made an appearance as a pinch hitter at the All-Star Game at the Astrodome.