Honoring the Mick

Mickey Mantle takes a moment to compose himself 56 years ago today during ceremonies to honor his extraordinary 18-year career in New York.

Mantle, who retires before the 1969 season, finishes his Hall of Fame career with 536 home runs, 20 All-Star Game selections, seven World Series titles, three American League Most Valuable Player Awards and one Triple Crown.

Other than that, he is just another ballplayer.

Just happens to be one who attracts a near-capacity Sunday afternoon crowd of 60,096 at Yankee Stadium to headline “Mickey Mantle Day” in the Bronx, where Mantle’s former teammates sweep a doubleheader 3-1 and 11-2 against the Chicago White Sox.