Mickey Mantle: A Legendary Player in the Eye of the Sportswriters

Mickey Mantle was one of the most iconic players in Major League Baseball (MLB) history. Despite the subjective nature of sportswriters' opinions, their rankings can provide valuable insight into the enduring legacy of this legendary athlete. This article explores how sportswriters assessed Mickey Mantle in the era of his MLB retirement in 1968 and considers the factors that influenced their opinions.

Objectivity vs. Subjectivity: The Hall of Fame and Sportswriters' Rankings

The official Hall of Fame recognizes Mickey Mantle as the 18th greatest player of all time. This ranking is objective and based on statistical achievements. However, the subjective opinions of sportswriters about the greatest players of all time often vary and can be influenced by contemporaneous play, personal biases, and contextual understanding of a player's peak years.

Age of Steroids: A Controversial Era

Two players currently ranked above Mantle, Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens, have been highly questionable due to their alleged use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). While this factor played a role in sports media discussions, it did not affect the sportswriters' rankings during the 1968 MLB retirement of Mantle.

Sportswriters' Consensus: A Top-10 Recognition

Based on the opinions of sportswriters in the 1960s, Mickey Mantle would likely have been ranked as one of the top 4 or 5 players of all time. Other players mentioned in similar rankings include Babe Ruth, Cy Young, Yankee Stadium legend Babe Ruth, and Walter Johnson. While Babe DiMaggio was a fan favorite in New York, he was not deemed as great as Mantle by the consensus.

Personal Opinions and Legacy

From a personal perspective, many fans and observers placed Mantle in the top seven of all-time players. Some, like Bob Schnebly, felt he would remain in that position for decades. Schnebly's statement reflects the lasting impact of Mantle's playing career.

Others like Mike agreed that Mantle and Willie Mays were their boyhood favorites. Schnebly noted that whilst the Yankee teams of that era had better overall talent, Mantle was undoubtedly the star of the team. His career statistics, including 500 home runs, a .521 on-base percentage in 1957, and a remarkable consistency in his first ten seasons, all point to his incredible talent.

The Diminishing Years: From Peak to Fall

By the time sportswriters saw Mantle play in 1967, he was at the end of his career. Kid Knapp, another observer, commented on the contrast between Mickey Mantle's prime and his later career. In his prime, Mantle was a top ten player in terms of speed, power, and versatility. However, a knee injury in the mid-1960s began to diminish his speed. Despite this, his power remained strong until his final years.

Mantle's end-of-career struggles, including his striking out and withdrawal into his knees, served as a poignant reminder of his former dominance. His career strikeout total of 3,500 at-bats, equivalent to seven full seasons, is a testament to his dedication and perseverance throughout his career.

Conclusion: A Legend's Legacy

Mickey Mantle's impact on baseball cannot be overstated. His statistics, namely over 500 home runs, his speed, and his overall versatility, place him among the greatest players of all time. While individual opinions may vary, the enduring legacy of Mickey Mantle remains a testament to his incredible playing career.