Mickey Mantle – the man behind the myth

The Last Boy: Micky Mantle and the End of America's Childhood

To his fans, Mickey Mantle was a revered baseball legend and reluctant role model, but those closer to him knew of his persistent injuries and battles with alcoholism. Through it all, Mantle led his Yankees to seven world championships and set several World Series records that still stand, capturing the awe of legions of fans. For her new book, The Last Boy: Mickey Mantle and the End of America’s Childhood, author Jane Leavy conducted more than 500 interviews with Mantle’s friends, family and teammates in order to get to the heart of his story. What are your memories of baseball great Mickey Mantle? How has baseball changed since Mantle showed us how the game was played?

To his fans, Mickey Mantle was a revered baseball legend and reluctant role model, but those closer to him knew of his persistent injuries and battles with alcoholism. Through it all, Mantle led his Yankees to seven world championships and set several World Series records that still stand, capturing the awe of legions of fans. For her new book, The Last Boy: Mickey Mantle and the End of America’s Childhood, author Jane Leavy conducted more than 500 interviews with Mantle’s friends, family and teammates in order to get to the heart of his story. What are your memories of baseball great Mickey Mantle? How has baseball changed since Mantle showed us how the game was played?

Guest:

Jane Leavy, author of The Last Boy: Mickey Mantle and the End of America’s Childhood