Damn Yankees by Edward Drobinski - HTML preview

Damn Yankees

Page 352

Mantle was selected as an All-Star every season during his 18-year career except for 1951 and 1966. He was a seven time World Series champion with the Yankees, playing in twelve overall. In the World Series, he hit .257 over 65 games and holds the all-time World Series records for home runs - 18, runs scored - 42, and RBIs - 40.

Mantle is considered to be the greatest switch hitter in baseball history, hitting for both average and for power from both sides of the plate. In particular, he was known for his power, hitting some of the longest home runs in Major League

history. On September 10, 1960, he hit a ball left handed, while he had more power from the right side, that cleared the right field roof at Tiger Stadium in Detroit. Based on where the ball was found, it was estimated to have traveled 643 feet.

Another Mantle home run, hit right handed off Chuck Stobbs at Griffith Stadium in Washington, DC, on April 17, 1953, was measured by Yankees traveling secretary Red Patterson to have traveled 565 feet.

Twice in his career Mantle hit a home run off the third deck facade at Yankee Stadium, nearly becoming the only player to hit a fair ball out of the stadium during a game. On May 22, 1963, against Kansas City's Bill Fischer, Mantle hit a home run