Mantle's Blast

Sixty years ago, Mickey Mantle hit a monster home run--565 ft--in Washington's Griffith Stadium.  If someone were to hit a home run of that distance in today's Nats Park, the ball would land where the yellow dots are in the outfield and scoreboard.  Wow!

I can only wonder what the Mick could have done over his career with two good knees and less alcohol consumption.  By the time I first saw him play in person (in 1964 at Dodger Stadium, where the Angels were playing) he was but a shadow of himself.  He played center, singled, and drove in a run off Bo Belinsky--remember him?

Some of the current players are monsters, but 565 feet?

Comments

[Raymond]

You have read "The Last Boy" by Jane Leavy. Mantle was my hero growing up, and I'm enviouis of your seeing him play, but what a wasted opportunity. Of course, as you mentioned, the injuries were a major factor. A life-long Yankee fan, I love your posts on the team. And keep the theological posts coming as well.

[Brian Davilla]

I do remember Bo Belinsky! Think he played for the Astros when I was a Houston fan around age 11!

[Kim Riddlebarger]

Brian:

Good memory! Old Bo played for them in 1967. He was always connected to some Hollywood starlet and hating being traded from the LA area.

[Richard]

Did you see this, from "60 MInutes," on R.A. Dickey? http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=50144818n
Really recommend you read his book, "Wherever I Wind Up." An excellent read!