Major League Baseball has seen its share of outstanding switch hitters, meaning that they bat both right-handed and left-handed. A unique skill, no one did it better than Mickey Mantle. Mantle played 17 seasons in MLB, all with the New York Yankees (1951-1968).
Mantle broke into the big leagues in 1951, eventually replacing another legend, Joe DiMaggio, in centerfield. Even though Mantle faced considerable pressure, he put up solid numbers beginning in his sophomore season of 1952, leading the American League (AL) in on-base plus slugging that season.
Incredible succession, DiMaggio then Mantle (photo courtesy Reddit)
Later, Mantle led the American League in home runs (37) in 1955, and he had his best season in 1956. He won the Triple Crown that hat season, leading the AL in home runs (52), runs batted in (130), and batting average (.353). He also had 132 runs, had a .705 slugging percentage, and an on-base plus slugging percentage of 1.169. Named the AL MVP, Mantle’s 1956 season was one of the most prolific in MLB history.
Mantle won a second straight AL MVP in 1957, and for good reasons: hitting .365 with 34 home runs and 94 runs batted in. A third AL MVP came in 1962, showing that Mantle wore well over time.
Not only was he great, but so were his Yankees, winners of seven World Series championships during his time with the club. A solid postseason performer, Mantle hit 18 home runs in the World Series.
Overall, Mantle led the AL in home runs four times, runs scored five times, and walks five times. He also led the AL in on-base percentage three times, slugging percentage four times, and on-base plus slugging percentage six times. He finished his career with 536 career home runs and 1,509 runs batted in, and made the All-Star team 20 times.
Mantle was elected into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974. He passed away at the young age of 63 on August 13, 1995.
Without question, the name “Mickey Mantle” is synonymous with MLB greatness, including as one of baseball’s best all-time switch-hitters.
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The original version of this article can be found on the author’s blog.
