A Journey Through Time in Baseball's Golden Era with David Mantle, son of the great Mickey Mantle

As the sun heats up and the crack of the bat rings in the air, we at "Cracking Backs" have something special for baseball lovers. In our latest episode, we welcome a very special guest, David Mantle, the son of the legendary Mickey Mantle, an icon in the world of baseball.

The Mantle Legacy

Ever wondered what it was like growing up as a Mantle? David Mantle shares vivid memories of his father, Mickey, an extraordinary man who remained deeply proud of his Oklahoman roots, even after moving to Texas. Despite declining the offer to join the Texas Baseball Hall of Fame, Mickey Mantle still commands respect and admiration within baseball circles as a bona fide legend of the game.

Mining for Talent: The Mickey Mantle Origin Story

David delves into the inspiring story of his father, Mickey, who was recruited straight out of high school to join the New York Yankees. His father's formidable talent in three sports notwithstanding, Mickey chose baseball over football, owing to a condition called Osteomyelitis that weakened his shin bones.

In a testament to the perseverance and grit that would later define his career, Mickey developed his powerful swing working in the lead and zinc mines of Oklahoma, a legacy that has left an indelible mark on the sport. In our podcast, David paints an awe-inspiring picture of Mickey’s muscular physique, developed through years of swinging a sledgehammer in the mines.

A Golden Era in Baseball

We traverse the golden era of baseball with David, exploring why this period in history stands out. This was the time when television found its way into homes, bringing the thrill of baseball games to living rooms around the country. Families would gather around the TV, watching games together, making it a central part of the summer vacation tradition.

Spring Training Memories and Baseball Greats

David shares childhood stories of spring training, taking a three-day train journey to Florida, and spending six glorious weeks living the baseball dream. He brings to life the camaraderie and bonding that happened off the field, with baseball legends like Whitey Ford, Willy Mays, Joe DiMaggio, and Roger Maris.

Playing Through Pain: Mickey's Legacy of Perseverance

David gives us a glimpse into Mickey's tenacity and his unwillingness to back down, regardless of the pain he was in. Stories of Mickey playing through injuries so severe they bled through his uniform epitomize his commitment to the game. "Take the pain," a mantra Mickey lived by, now inked on David's body, continues to inspire many.

Debunking Media Myths: The Mantle-Maris Friendship

David shatters the media's portrayal of animosity between Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris during the famed 1961 season. He recalls their deep friendship, cheering each other on in their pursuit of Babe Ruth's record, a camaraderie often ignored by the press.

An Icon Beyond the Field

Finally, we discuss Mickey's off-field role as a loving father and a disciplined figure, teaching respect and encouraging practical jokes and neighborhood games. His lessons left lasting impressions on his family and those around him, and we delve into these details on our podcast.

Considering his impressive stats - hits, games played, and home runs (536), especially in an era without the modern, tight wound balls, state-of-the-art bats or fast pitchers of today, Mickey Mantle's greatness is unquestionable. It's an absolute pleasure talking to David Mantle, a living repository of this incredible legacy.

Join us on the "Cracking Backs" podcast as we dive deep into the world of the great Mickey Mantle, a legend etched in the annals of baseball history. Don’t miss this unforgettable journey into baseball's golden era!
​​​​​​​