During the 60's and 70's, the New York Yankees were frequent participants in the World Series. And even though their greatest player, Mickey Mantle, best years were in the 50's, he had still achieved legendary status by the time I became a baseball fan. My dad would often speak of Mickey's best season that happened in 1954. He won the American League Triple Crown by leading the majors in batting average (.353), home runs (52), and runs batted in (130). Additionally, he topped the league in runs scored (132), slugging percentage (.705), and total bases (376). Mantle also led the AL in walks with 122, which helped his overall offensive production. His stellar performance earned him the AL Most Valuable Player award that year as well.
Yet, one of my most cherished memories involved my Uncle Pat, who upon discovering the passion that my brother and I possessed for Mickey Mantle, saw an opportunity to become a giant in his young nephews eyes. He saw an ad sometime in the 70's proclaiming the grand opening of Mickey Mantle's clothing store in Eastgate Mall (which was located in Chattanooga). This grand opening occurred on a school day and Uncle Pat decided he would brave the elements (lots of rain) and wait in a very long line to have Mickey autograph two pictures for his nephews. I honestly can't recall the exact experience of receiving this Holy Grail artifact, but my reverence for my Uncle's sacrifice still burns in my heart today. Despite the fact that the autographed picture did not survive one of my many moves in my twenties, it has not dampened my appreciation and gratitude for that moment in time.
And Uncle Pat, if you're reading this blog, "Thanks Again from your Favorite Nephew!"
