After an incredible career filled with triumph and nagging injuries, the iconic Mickey Mantle announced his retirement on this day in 1969, ending one of the greatest careers in Yankee history. At the time, third on the all-time home run list, and he retired as the greatest switch-hitter to ever play the game. Most will argue that Mantle still holds that title. It would be hard to present evidence to the contrary.
“The Mick” remains one of the most compelling figures of baseball’s golden age. Fans watched in awe at his majestic home runs that would sometimes clear stadiums (some experts are still using technology to try and figure out if Mantle ever hit a 600-foot home run).