July 31, 1967. V. KC. bottom 8th. S. Whitaker, cf. HR., C.Smith 3rd. HR. Fans erupt, tied game. M. Mantle, 1st. Ball to R. Field wall, leaping catch. Concrete fell upper deck. Score card, J.Gibbs C., gr. ball short? I saw game R. field, G.A. K.C win 9th.
I’m very fortunate to have been able to call Mickey a friend. I spent years and years playing golf with Mickey after baseball. When he was drinking life was hard for him but when he was sober he was one of the most beautiful and sensitive men I’ve ever known. After he got sober he didn’t live that much longer but he was a changed man but still as down to earth as he always was. We lost Mickey way too soon.
Alcoholism destroys lives, sad Mickey suffered from it. His name resonates as equal to LEGEND but since you met him I believe you, he was a humble and beautiful man.
@MANCHESTER UNITED I've learned to appreciate the game of soccer thanks to soccer player friends who explained the game while we watched. But I still can't wrap my brain around a tie game ending in a draw or even a shoot out.
My fellow Okie. James Garner, Tony Randall, Jimmy Webb, Bill Harder, Leon Russell, Steve Pryor ------- content to be ourselves, don't care when people make fun of our accents.
I have to disagree with you. Nostalgia is clouding your judgement. There are plenty of current ball players who have a good personality. Freddie Freeman, Paul Goldschmidt, Mike Trout, Miguel Cabrera, Clayton Kershaw, DJ Lemahieu, Bo Bichette, Zack Grienke, Christian Yelich Do I need to keep going?
Bob Costas is, without a doubt, a master interviewer. One of the best to hold a microphone. Like all masters, Bob makes something that is extremely difficult look effortless. Mr. Costas is a national treasure.
@@Mario-cv5elCostas does not suck as a sports announcer, it's just that his forte is baseball. NBC was forced to have him call NBA games back in '98 when Marv Albert was embroiled in legal troubles.
I’m 25 and have been an alcoholic for the last 5 years. Finally coming to my senses now and quitting, and I never knew that a legend like Mickey Mantle suffered from it to. Just goes to show how dangerous that stuff really is.
Here's the truth .. most people don't realize their alcoholics are drinking 2-3 a day .. it's all the same . I'm a middle aged man and I'll tell you, if you have to have a drink daily then you have the gene or could . Don't.. I'm an alcoholic and it's not fun .
Gentle....he's being a gentleman and behaving in a manner that men who know someone else is in pain comports themselves... compassionate...I have a new respect for Costas after watching this
@@jackiethompson3770 well put and I came away feeling as you did. I re-watched it and was moved by Mickey's facial reaction when he told Costas that they gave his son a drug called' Dilaudid'. I went and looked it up and it explains why his son had so much trouble. Thanks for your thoughtful reply.
@@herbwhite7384 thank you sir ..and sadly enough I've sat both those seats enough to know grief Andrew compassion when I pay you eyes on....I compare it crudely but quite accurately to grief being a shit sammich we all gotta eat at one point in our lives... somebody may share our grief and take a bite of our sammich for us but no matter how long you eat it its never finished and it always taste like shit..a horrible thing we all at some point must endure and it'll last far longer han it doesn't...
Growing up in the 50's and 60's Mickey was a baseball icon to me. My heart feels for him since I lost my son Derek at the age of 24. A man has his limits and losing a child is beyond comprehension. God bless you Mickey. You will always be a hero to me.
I’m 64 years old and when I was a little kid we lived in NYC and I absolutely loved that man. My parents would ask me in an excited voice who do you want to be? And I would yell, Mickey Mantle!
My dad asked me one day in our backyard, I was holding a 5 iron, he said, I’m not sure if you want to be Mickey Mantle or Arnold Palmer..I loved sports! I was 12 years old then..now..73…😊
This is one of the most honest interviews I have ever seen. As a father and huge baseball fan this video breaks my heart. He seems like a good man that was his own worst enemy.
I think many of his contemporaries would say that. It's interesting you should mention Hank because Mickey once pointed to him as an example of someone who left nothing on the table, who got all he could out of his ability. Even with the injuries and lack of conditioning and self-inflicted punishment to his body, MIckey's numbers are staggering.
I always wondered why he was so beloved. I think you are right. It's his humility. Regarding his abuse, there are multiple reasons for why people do counter productive things. His family drank. Then he lived a wild life as a MLB player. It was what they did during his time. The parties, the women and not needing to be at the ballpark for the until noon the next day created some pretty bad habits. Guilt of adulatory was a factor in his drinking. And I'm sure the abuse affected him too.
My Grandmother died of Liver Disease. She died the Same year as the Mick. She couldn't get a Liver for Transplant but Mantle did and he kept Drinking. That changed the way I felt about him for many years.
As a 6 year old child in 1955 there was no hero in my life who was any bigger than Mickey Mantle. He was the man I admired the most for most of my life. God Bless "The Mick"
Mickey was my idol while I was growing up. I lived and breathed the Yankees and Mickey. RIP Mickey Mantle. If you hadn’t suffered the horrendous injuries and were privy to the knowledge today’s ball players have about fitness etc, you would have been the greatest. Ever. To accomplish what you did with the awful injuries and lifestyle you led are incredible. And yes...you turned out all right.
That was so hard for that man to do that interview to put him self out there but he did it. Mickey mantle was and always will be my hero as a man and a ball played.
My dad was a Yankee fan all his life, and he used to say to me Mickey Mantle was the best of them all. It’s so sad that he was afflicted by the desire to drink so much as he could’ve been even better than he was on the baseball field. Rest in peace Mickey and I love you dad.
You dad was absolutely right. Without the injuries and booze he's have easily hit 700/700+ Home runs and carried .330 (or better) lifetime BA and, maybe, even accounted for 2,000 RBIs !!
No doubt! Mick was a legend. I'm not saying he was as legendary, but as a kid Ken Griffey Jr. was pretty special. Unfortunately injuries and not being juiced up like the rest, he got overlooked during the second half of his career.
Yup. This interview and Carroll O'Connor when talking about drinking and druuuuugs, had a real world effect on me. Yup. Definitely were words coming from 2 people I never had met, yet had the upmost respect for from afar. Good people and they touched this one🙏
You didn’t turn out alright Mickey, you turned out the best. Im a 19 year old and never got to live on this earth at the same time as you, but you were the closest thing to a hero I have ever seen. Your strength and resilience is unmatched, and has helped me since I was a kid. Rest well Mickey, the people of America love you.
Mickey Mantle was before my time. Even so, when I hear his name it’s as American as apple pie. Seemed like a genuine guy who just struggled with many of the same issues I do. Rest in peace sir.
Respect from a once little boy, a Detroit Tiger fan, who got to see Mantle in Detroit when the Yankees came to town. I will never forget that day in 1960
I got to Derek Jeter play many times, Mariano Rivera, A-Rod. I also got to see Barry Bonds once against the Mets at Shea Stadium. Roger Clemens, Frank Thomas, Randy Johnson, Ichiro, such amazing ballplayers, but this list pales in comparison to your story. Just visiting Tiger Stadium alone would be a worthy anecdote. I'm thankful I got to go to the original Yankee Stadium (renovations aside) for so many games growing up.
I met Mickey Mantle in Sept. 1988 at his bar and restaurant in NYC. He was an absolute gentleman. We did have a cocktail but nothing crazy. He recommended that I go to Runyon's for dinner because Bob Costas does a radio show from there. I did go to Runyon's, and I had dinner elbow-to-elbow with Bob Costas and his wife. They were super nice people. For Bob's radio show, his guests were Conrad Dobler (NFL Dirtiest Player, and Frank DeFord - famous Sports Illustrated writer). Now, that's an evening!!! I got to smoke Cuban cigars and drink with Dobler to 2 in the morning.
For many years, I was angry at Mickey...for his behavior off the field resembled my father's. After this interview, I can't help feel the deepest empathy for this man. You can clearly hear, see his pain,regret. Amazingly candid, painful interview. Much respect for Mr. Mantle. Thanks for posting this!
This interview cuts deep. I admire Bob for going there with Mickey and I admire Mickey even more, (obviously) for having the humility to be honest in front of the world. I find the very end of this interview to be especially profound. Hopefully a lot more people see this video. RIP Mickey
The very end of it is where it cuts very very deep. That's where you see the 1950's legend confronting the reality of his existence in the 1990's, a really riveting piece of TV. If only there was some way this legend could truly understand the depth of his magnitude in his lifetime. The fact that he actually did have a good idea of it and stayed humble pales in comparison to how deep that loves really goes. RIP
@@danielk9067 this was a great interview. I was at the stadium one day as he got out of his car and walked into stadium. He truly was so great. Great interview
I think Costa is lucky not to get punched in the mouth... I felt 2 of those questions were too intrusive for a person who is obviously suffering. This is a credit to Mickey Mantle the way he humbly kept his cool.
This is the second or third time I’ve listened to this interview on my phone in recent years. Costas delivers one of the best TV interviews of any genre that I’ve ever heard and seen.
No man ever made so many people so happy, so inspired. On my lowest days as a poor, lonely kid, I had baseball.i had Mickey, Willie, Seaver and Gibson. It was glorious. No regrets, Mickey. Thank you.
I've never seen a more humble and honest interview. Mickey gave no excuses, only pure heartfelt remorse for what he did to himself. He felt he was a bad father, but no one can deny he loved his boys. What a heavy burden to end a career early, and know for the rest of your life that there could have been so much more. Few people will become icons of Mickey's stature, but many of us can relate to the regrets. Thank you Bob Costas for this beautiful interview. This was your best.
What a lovely, brave, honest, shy and humble man. This interview grabs you because Mickey seems so vulnerable and has such a look of hurt in his eyes. Mr. Mantle, you did the right things in the end and you more than turned out all right. The world was blessed by your presence.
Mick you're a legend and I know you are with your son now. You hold a special position in baseball history and the most important thing is you are a great guy and will live on forever.
Joey Chuzie yes Mickey was the ultimate childhood sports idol. there was something totally magical about his presence in Yankee pinstripes and the number 7 he wore. His all American good looks and persona of invincibility made him the ultimate sports icon. there will never be another athlete like Mickey Mantle.
The moment Bob Costas explains to Mickey how he is a hero, you can see how much it sunk in how much people loved him without knowing the person, just the player... More athletes need to understand this today. Everytime they step out wether on the field or out in public, they are admired by kids and adults alike. You see how athletes today feel the need act like rockstars, but they need to aspire to become hereos and role models. Especially in children's eyes, who emulate these athletes. We miss you Mickey, rest in peace
Speaking as a Giants/Willie fan, it was always a thrill to see Mantle play. My grandfather, a lifelong Yankees fan, took me to a game at the old Yankees Stadium in 1964 against Boston. I remember that we left early, and the Sox were ahead, 4-2. The Yankees won the game, maybe on a Mantle home run, not sure. The honesty that Mickey displayed in his last years was beautiful but also heartbreaking. His life is also a lesson for everyone that tends to be hard on self...what a great athlete. Rest In Peace, Mick.
I'm 70 years old. Born in Chicago, the first full year Mickey played, 1952. I named my only son after "The Mick". To me he was and still is the greatest player who ever put on a uniform. When God made Mickey He broke the mold. To me, Mickey will ALWAYS be the GREATEST OF ALL TIME; R.I.P. Mickey! 🤩😍🥰❤❤❤
He`s the most "beloved" athlete in American history...and that will never change His only flaw was that he was way too self-critical, and hard on himself. He owed us nothing...we owe him everything for giving us countless great memories.
cravinbob I read Jane Leavy`s book in `10. Nobody is perfect....Mickey did hurt a few people who loved him....but, he also brought tremendous joy to millions of others.
MrYellowlabs You are correct and I am sure you feel as I do in that he did not do anything vicious but was a product of his upbringing. The alcohol played a huge role in bad decisions he made as well.
A good man......he was able to recognize his flaws. I met him in 1966 as a little league ball player in Texas. Later, got to see him play at Yankee Stadium and take a photo with him in the clubhouse. It was like being around the greatest athlete in the world. Peace be with you, brother Mick!
Mickey was the heart of the Yankee lineup for so many years on so many great teams and he was a hero to millions of fans. I was one of them. Watching this interview moved me deeply.
Mickey really shows his humanity in this interview. He didn't have to. After all, he's Mickey Mantle, one of the all-time greats of baseball. But he did. Showed us that he's the flawed sports hero who was never full of himself. About as humble a superstar as there is in sports.
Me & my 4 year old son met Mickey ...a couple years before he passed away....he was very nice ...had my son sit with him for a pic......a great memory forever !! Thanks Mickey Mantle for the lifetime of memories !! RIP #7 !! 😇😇😇👍👍👍👏👏👏😁😁😁
The emotions conjured up while watching this, for me, were indescribable...Costas (and "the MICK" himself) brought their "A" game to this interview and in reality, "this" was Mickey's final home run...RIP Mick...and thank-you Bob Costas for showing there's a distinct difference between a "role model" and a "hero".....
Memorable interview. It took a lot of nerve for Costas to to delve into the inner Mantle as he did, and a lot of grace for Mickey to respond to it as he did.
Mickey Mantle was always my favorite baseball player. I grew up in Staten Island, N. Y. and was a huge Yankee fan. When MM swung the bat, he wasn't cheated, and when he connected, the ball when farther than a lot of cheap homers you see today. I can't believe he never understood how much people loved him. I would have loved to meet him. He had a restaurant in N.Y.C. and was sometimes there, but I never went,. I never will forget him.
I am in awe how respectful the young interviewer is toward Mickey Mantle despite the delicate questions. Mickey hit a home run in this interview! R.I.P.
Takes a strong man to admit all his flaws and be that brutally honest about his life in front of a camera for the whole world to see. I’m sure he wishes he had done some things different throughout his life but don’t we all? Rip
Lester Green Mickey didn’t find “religion.” He surrendered his life to the Lord Jesus Christ. Former teammate Bobby Richardson, second baseman for the Yankees, led him to Christ while he was ill. He opened his heart and received Christ as his Savior and made his peace with God. Then went on to his eternal reward. And you can do the same if you decide to.
I am 62 years old. Life long Yankees fan. First game I ever attended with my father was April 30, 1967 and Mickey homered twice to win the game. I attended MM Day on June 8, 1969 and sat with my father and a friend in section 23 row D lower deck. Best day ever. Mickey is my life long hero. This interview is chilling. RIP Mickey..."you turned out alright"..
I worked so so so hard to buy my first Mantle Card. Not just a Mantle, but an authentic autographed card. I cherish this card so much. While I wasn't alive when he played, he sure influenced me and my love of the game. May he rest peacefully, and thank you Mickey!!
Great interview. I was a friend of Mickey Jr's. I am grateful that he (sr) shared publicly that he made mistakes and was not a great Dad. His sons loved him very much.
One of the greatest interviews of all time. Mickey had issues like most of us but his were magnified. Watching that face before the liver and cancer is as good as he ever looked. I watched him behave with poor judgment but many of us have too
This is the most direct and intimate yet gentle interview I have seen in my life. It's incredible. Hey Mickey, you didn't "let me down" because you didn't break Ruth's home run record. Numbers aren't everything. And speaking of numbers, just how many World Series rings did you finally get, seven? In any case, you created a compelling chapter, all your own, in the history of a great, poetic sport. Plus you OWNED Manhattan. King of the heap. That's experience that very few get to enjoy.
What a beautiful interview. How sad that he was haunted by feelings that he hadn't lived up to his potential. It shows that even the greats wrestle with feelings of inadequacy, imposter syndrome, and the fears we all have.
My chance to meet Mickey was when I was 33 years old in 1974. He retired in 1969 and got into the Mickey Mantle’s Mensware business with a retail store in the Indianapolis area. I wanted in line for almost three hours to meet him, get his photo and autograph, and tell him he was my all-time hero. He was so very gracious to me, and a day I will never forget…NEVER! RIP!
This is just incredibly sad and hard to watch. Knowing he died not long after this. Got very choked up, even though he died before I was even born. My grandmother drove down from Derby, Connecticut to watch him play in 1956 at her first ballgame at Yankee Stadium, got his autograph. It meant alot to her. RIP Mr. Mantle. One of the best ever.
Mickey was definitely a hero! As I watched this video I recalled with great fondness going to Yankee stadium as a child with my dad to watch Mickey play. RIP Mickey! You did much more than alright!
Mickey was the epitome of a human being...Tremendously gifted and loved yet struggles that alot of us have...He is one of the best players and yankee of all time. Talent wise, arguably the best ever #7 #yankee #great
What a great video- I met Mickey at age 8 with my father at a card show - my dad had tears in his eyes at the time because the Mick was his idol growing up - he was a very gracious man that day ; I will always have fond memories of Mr. Mantle
I am 68 years old and a born and bred Boston Red Sox fan and I don't know why but Mickey Mantle was and still to this day my all-time favorite baseball player go figure but after watching this I now know why.
We can only imagine what this man, always considered one of the best in history, could have been without his many problems, including those cripplied knees. Probably w/o a doubt ... The GOAT! I believe in his last few years, he became the man, the father, and the hero we were all hoping for. Good for you & all of us. May you continue to rest in peace #7!
Emotional honesty and genuine heart. I wanted to give him a hug and tell him when I was 7 my first year playing ball the coach handed me #7 and looked at my dad and said “Mantle’s number. “ that was 1978. I loved him and the stories I would read about him. He inspired me to have fun. I was passionate partly because of him.
An enormously flawed and beautiful man. I admire the hell out of him. Not a hint of bitterness, only humility and honesty.
I agree and even after he stopped drinking the damage was done ....he would die in a few years ...sad !
Paul Dirac,
Well said!
I'll always love "The Mick".
Was my favorite player. But after I saw this when it aired he became one of my favorite people. Truly admirable.
Gayle samplers and dock butkus
Duck butkus
Damn. They don't make interviews like this anymore. That was as sobering, earnest, and real as it gets.
People are too soft to handle interviews like this
Such a sweet man, I always appreciated and respected his honesty
You summed it up perfectly.
July 31, 1967. V. KC. bottom 8th. S. Whitaker, cf. HR., C.Smith 3rd. HR. Fans erupt, tied game. M. Mantle, 1st. Ball to R. Field wall, leaping catch. Concrete fell upper deck. Score card, J.Gibbs C., gr. ball short? I saw game R. field, G.A. K.C win 9th.
I’m very fortunate to have been able to call Mickey a friend. I spent years and years playing golf with Mickey after baseball. When he was drinking life was hard for him but when he was sober he was one of the most beautiful and sensitive men I’ve ever known. After he got sober he didn’t live that much longer but he was a changed man but still as down to earth as he always was. We lost Mickey way too soon.
He seems to be a very humble man.
Alcoholism destroys lives, sad Mickey suffered from it. His name resonates as equal to LEGEND but since you met him I believe you, he was a humble and beautiful man.
This is heartbreaking. You turned out alright, Mickey, and many people still hold you in reverance. Rest well.
@MANCHESTER UNITED stfu soccer is a boring retarded sport
@MANCHESTER UNITED What's your point ?
@MANCHESTER UNITED I've learned to appreciate the game of soccer thanks to soccer player friends who explained the game while we watched. But I still can't wrap my brain around a tie game ending in a draw or even a shoot out.
Beautifully put..
oh fuck you with stupid soccer shti that non cares about
He turned out alright. Mickey had a humbleness and humility that is absent in 99% of today’s players. He’ll always be a hero to me.
Agreed..I met him...all of the above.
My fellow Okie. James Garner, Tony Randall, Jimmy Webb, Bill Harder, Leon Russell, Steve Pryor ------- content to be ourselves, don't care when people make fun of our accents.
I have to disagree with you. Nostalgia is clouding your judgement. There are plenty of current ball players who have a good personality. Freddie Freeman, Paul Goldschmidt, Mike Trout, Miguel Cabrera, Clayton Kershaw, DJ Lemahieu, Bo Bichette, Zack Grienke, Christian Yelich
Do I need to keep going?
You can call Mickey Mantle a lot of things. Humble is not one of them.
Very well said.
Not many people that could or would have the courage to do such an honest and vulnerable interview .. thank you Mick!
Puke
TALK ABOUT GOING TO CONFESSION!!!! WOW! BRUTAL HONESTY.
Bob Costas is, without a doubt, a master interviewer.
One of the best to hold a microphone.
Like all masters, Bob makes something that is extremely difficult look effortless.
Mr. Costas is a national treasure.
I agree fully. Read my q.v. comment to that effect on that topic.
Costas is the GOAT in my book.
You know, i am not really a fan of Mr. Costas, but i readily admit he is damn good at what he does.
He might be a good interviewer but he sucks as a sports announcer
@@Mario-cv5elCostas does not suck as a sports announcer, it's just that his forte is baseball. NBC was forced to have him call NBA games back in '98 when Marv Albert was embroiled in legal troubles.
I’m 25 and have been an alcoholic for the last 5 years. Finally coming to my senses now and quitting, and I never knew that a legend like Mickey Mantle suffered from it to. Just goes to show how dangerous that stuff really is.
Here's the truth .. most people don't realize their alcoholics are drinking 2-3 a day .. it's all the same . I'm a middle aged man and I'll tell you, if you have to have a drink daily then you have the gene or could . Don't.. I'm an alcoholic and it's not fun .
When Billy was mentioned, you can see the emotion just come straight up. I have four kids, two sons, I felt for him
One of Mickey's other sons, Mickey Jr. later passed away from cancer in the year 2000 at just 47 years of age.
You can see the love Costas has for Mickey even asking some tough questions. Much respect to both of these legends.
Gentle....he's being a gentleman and behaving in a manner that men who know someone else is in pain comports themselves... compassionate...I have a new respect for Costas after watching this
@@jackiethompson3770 well put and I came away feeling as you did. I re-watched it and was moved by Mickey's facial reaction when he told Costas that they gave his son a drug called' Dilaudid'. I went and looked it up and it explains why his son had so much trouble. Thanks for your thoughtful reply.
@@herbwhite7384 thank you sir ..and sadly enough I've sat both those seats enough to know grief Andrew compassion when I pay you eyes on....I compare it crudely but quite accurately to grief being a shit sammich we all gotta eat at one point in our lives... somebody may share our grief and take a bite of our sammich for us but no matter how long you eat it its never finished and it always taste like shit..a horrible thing we all at some point must endure and it'll last far longer han it doesn't...
I'm 69 , in this year of 2022 and Mickey never let me down. He and Dick Butkus are two of the nicest guys on youtube.
This is the most honest interview ever.Words don't explain everything but he meant what he said.
I never felt sympathy for Mickey until I see him in this interview, with tears escaping his eyes . He just looks sincere.
Growing up in the 50's and 60's Mickey was a baseball icon to me. My heart feels for him since I lost my son Derek at the age of 24. A man has his limits and losing a child is beyond comprehension. God bless you Mickey. You will always be a hero to me.
I’m 64 years old and when I was a little kid we lived in NYC and I absolutely loved that man. My parents would ask me in an excited voice who do you want to be? And I would yell, Mickey Mantle!
My dad asked me one day in our backyard, I was holding a 5 iron, he said, I’m not sure if you want to be Mickey Mantle or Arnold Palmer..I loved sports! I was 12 years old then..now..73…😊
This is one of the most honest interviews I have ever seen. As a father and huge baseball fan this video breaks my heart. He seems like a good man that was his own worst enemy.
I'm not a Yankees' fan, but I am a Mickey Mantle fan. Hank Aaron once said that he never saw so much talent in one ballplayer as he saw in Mantle.
Patrick bickers, that is indeed high praise from one of the all time most humble greats of baseball.
Jeff Vanevenhoven n
pop
Jeff Vanevenhov
I think many of his contemporaries would say that. It's interesting you should mention Hank because Mickey once pointed to him as an example of someone who left nothing on the table, who got all he could out of his ability. Even with the injuries and lack of conditioning and self-inflicted punishment to his body, MIckey's numbers are staggering.
it's easy to love the man who tells the truth humbly.
He didn’t drink because of mlb lifestyle. Read the Last Boy biography. He drank bc he was abused.
I always wondered why he was so beloved. I think you are right. It's his humility.
Regarding his abuse, there are multiple reasons for why people do counter productive things. His family drank. Then he lived a wild life as a MLB player. It was what they did during his time. The parties, the women and not needing to be at the ballpark for the until noon the next day created some pretty bad habits. Guilt of adulatory was a factor in his drinking. And I'm sure the abuse affected him too.
11 years later from your comment, the world is falling apart, how are you James Ellis
@@amazinggrace9114 Still loving the truth. Still frustrated with all the lies that cover up why our world is falling apart.
Very well said. That level of personal honesty is in short supply
It’s touching to see your childhood hero humbled this way. Mickey was, and will always be, my favorite player.
Wow. What a heartbreaking interview. You can really feel the pain and regret in his voice.
this is the greatest interview I've ever seen in my life
Agree
NO DOUBT
Indeed! Left me in tears.
He was fantastic as a player and an even better man recognizing his flaws I love Mickey Mantle I don't say that about too many people
No sound!!!!
My Grandmother died of Liver Disease. She died the Same year as the Mick. She couldn't get a Liver for Transplant but Mantle did and he kept Drinking. That changed the way I felt about him for many years.
Coming from you that means so much.
He was a selfish scumbag.
@@jamesnewman7961 fuck you Pharisee. Your mind frame is why people don't let go of their past.
As a 6 year old child in 1955 there was no hero in my life who was any bigger than Mickey Mantle. He was the man I admired the most for most of my life. God Bless "The Mick"
Always loved The Mick. Mickey you may have not known but we baseball fans loved you and I always thought you gave us your all. Thank you
Mickey was my idol while I was growing up. I lived and breathed the Yankees and Mickey. RIP Mickey Mantle. If you hadn’t suffered the horrendous injuries and were privy to the knowledge today’s ball players have about fitness etc, you would have been the greatest. Ever. To accomplish what you did with the awful injuries and lifestyle you led are incredible. And yes...you turned out all right.
God bless you, Mick.
Indeed...a true legend.
Honesty is so refreshing to hear. Seems like in today's world it's in very short supply
That was so hard for that man to do that interview to put him self out there but he did it. Mickey mantle was and always will be my hero as a man and a ball played.
My dad was a Yankee fan all his life, and he used to say to me Mickey Mantle was the best of them all. It’s so sad that he was afflicted by the desire to drink so much as he could’ve been even better than he was on the baseball field. Rest in peace Mickey and I love you dad.
You dad was absolutely right. Without the injuries and booze he's have easily hit 700/700+ Home runs and carried .330 (or better) lifetime BA and, maybe, even accounted for 2,000 RBIs !!
No doubt! Mick was a legend. I'm not saying he was as legendary, but as a kid Ken Griffey Jr. was pretty special. Unfortunately injuries and not being juiced up like the rest, he got overlooked during the second half of his career.
Proves he is human like the rest of us. It’s tough to see his pain.
Mantle is an icon and a legend and a genuine classy guy. Probably why he didn't knock Costas out, because he had class.
Anyone whos every battled alcoholism can identify with this man.
Absolutely
Yup. This interview and Carroll O'Connor when talking about drinking and druuuuugs, had a real world effect on me. Yup. Definitely were words coming from 2 people I never had met, yet had the upmost respect for from afar. Good people and they touched this one🙏
It’s wonderful to see a giant being so humble and honest. I will always love you Mickey. You never let me down.
You didn’t turn out alright Mickey, you turned out the best. Im a 19 year old and never got to live on this earth at the same time as you, but you were the closest thing to a hero I have ever seen. Your strength and resilience is unmatched, and has helped me since I was a kid. Rest well Mickey, the people of America love you.
Very well said. One of the best comments on here, and a great written tribute to the Mick.
Mickey Mantle was before my time. Even so, when I hear his name it’s as American as apple pie. Seemed like a genuine guy who just struggled with many of the same issues I do. Rest in peace sir.
Respect from a once little boy, a Detroit Tiger fan, who got to see Mantle in Detroit when the Yankees came to town. I will never forget that day in 1960
I got to Derek Jeter play many times, Mariano Rivera, A-Rod. I also got to see Barry Bonds once against the Mets at Shea Stadium. Roger Clemens, Frank Thomas, Randy Johnson, Ichiro, such amazing ballplayers, but this list pales in comparison to your story. Just visiting Tiger Stadium alone would be a worthy anecdote. I'm thankful I got to go to the original Yankee Stadium (renovations aside) for so many games growing up.
I met Mickey Mantle in Sept. 1988 at his bar and restaurant in NYC. He was an absolute gentleman. We did have a cocktail but nothing crazy. He recommended that I go to Runyon's for dinner because Bob Costas does a radio show from there. I did go to Runyon's, and I had dinner elbow-to-elbow with Bob Costas and his wife. They were super nice people. For Bob's radio show, his guests were Conrad Dobler (NFL Dirtiest Player, and Frank DeFord - famous Sports Illustrated writer). Now, that's an evening!!! I got to smoke Cuban cigars and drink with Dobler to 2 in the morning.
For many years, I was angry at Mickey...for his behavior off the field resembled my father's. After this interview, I can't help feel the deepest empathy for this man. You can clearly hear, see his pain,regret. Amazingly candid, painful interview. Much respect for Mr. Mantle. Thanks for posting this!
This interview cuts deep. I admire Bob for going there with Mickey and I admire Mickey even more, (obviously) for having the humility to be honest in front of the world. I find the very end of this interview to be especially profound. Hopefully a lot more people see this video. RIP Mickey
The very end of it is where it cuts very very deep. That's where you see the 1950's legend confronting the reality of his existence in the 1990's, a really riveting piece of TV. If only there was some way this legend could truly understand the depth of his magnitude in his lifetime. The fact that he actually did have a good idea of it and stayed humble pales in comparison to how deep that loves really goes. RIP
@@danielk9067 RIP MANTLE, alcoholism is dangerous
@@danielk9067 this was a great interview. I was at the stadium one day as he got out of his car and walked into stadium. He truly was so great. Great interview
Very well said, thanks, I wanted to say the same thing but just don’t have the ability to put my thoughts into words like that.
I think Costa is lucky not to get punched in the mouth... I felt 2 of those questions were too intrusive for a person who is obviously suffering. This is a credit to Mickey Mantle the way he humbly kept his cool.
This is the second or third time I’ve listened to this interview on my phone in recent years.
Costas delivers one of the best TV interviews of any genre that I’ve ever heard and seen.
No man ever made so many people so happy, so inspired. On my lowest days as a poor, lonely kid, I had baseball.i had Mickey, Willie, Seaver and Gibson. It was glorious. No regrets, Mickey. Thank you.
For me my hero was my dad first and then Frank Howard.
I started seeing major league baseball live in 1971. First game was Cubs vs. Pittsburgh with Roberto.
I've never seen a more humble and honest interview. Mickey gave no excuses, only pure heartfelt remorse for what he did to himself. He felt he was a bad father, but no one can deny he loved his boys. What a heavy burden to end a career early, and know for the rest of your life that there could have been so much more. Few people will become icons of Mickey's stature, but many of us can relate to the regrets. Thank you Bob Costas for this beautiful interview. This was your best.
The honesty from Mantle and the delicate nature of Costas asking these difficult questions make this one of the best interviews I've ever seen
What a lovely, brave, honest, shy and humble man. This interview grabs you because Mickey seems so vulnerable and has such a look of hurt in his eyes. Mr. Mantle, you did the right things in the end and you more than turned out all right. The world was blessed by your presence.
Mick you're a legend and I know you are with your son now. You hold a special position in baseball history and the most important thing is you are a great guy and will live on forever.
Joey Chuzie yes Mickey was the ultimate childhood sports idol. there was something totally magical about his presence in Yankee pinstripes and the number 7 he wore. His all American good looks and persona of invincibility made him the ultimate sports icon. there will never be another athlete like Mickey Mantle.
He was a real sport. Just ask his wife and kids.
The person who he was at the end of his life was a role model...and that's something we should all strive to achieve
The moment Bob Costas explains to Mickey how he is a hero, you can see how much it sunk in how much people loved him without knowing the person, just the player... More athletes need to understand this today. Everytime they step out wether on the field or out in public, they are admired by kids and adults alike. You see how athletes today feel the need act like rockstars, but they need to aspire to become hereos and role models. Especially in children's eyes, who emulate these athletes. We miss you Mickey, rest in peace
I love this, especially the part where Costas asks him if he knows the difference between a role model and a hero. He looked very touched.
i'm 72 years young and the Mick is still my hero.
Mike Woosley.....yah got everything right but the "young" part...
john james lol how u gonna roast the oldies 😂
So true Mike, same age as you and the Mick will always be my hero!
I'm 73 years young and Mickey was my hero while I was growing up. For years I kept track of his statistics on a daily basis.
why would a baseball player be your hero
Speaking as a Giants/Willie fan, it was always a thrill to see Mantle play. My grandfather, a lifelong Yankees fan, took me to a game at the old Yankees Stadium in 1964 against Boston. I remember that we left early, and the Sox were ahead, 4-2. The Yankees won the game, maybe on a Mantle home run, not sure. The honesty that Mickey displayed in his last years was beautiful but also heartbreaking. His life is also a lesson for everyone that tends to be hard on self...what a great athlete. Rest In Peace, Mick.
I'm 70 years old. Born in Chicago, the first full year Mickey played, 1952. I named my only son after "The Mick". To me he was and still is the greatest player who ever put on a uniform. When God made Mickey He broke the mold. To me, Mickey will ALWAYS be the GREATEST OF ALL TIME; R.I.P. Mickey! 🤩😍🥰❤❤❤
He`s the most "beloved" athlete in American history...and that will never change
His only flaw was that he was way too self-critical, and hard on himself.
He owed us nothing...we owe him everything for giving us countless great memories.
MrYellowlabs He was also a crude, drunken bum who abused women and abandoned his wife and children.
dirtyturban46 he never abandoned his children!! they were all very close don't spread rumors.....
dirtyturban46 Read "The Last Boy" and you will learn something. Maybe.
cravinbob I read Jane Leavy`s book in `10.
Nobody is perfect....Mickey did hurt a few people who loved him....but, he also brought tremendous joy to millions of others.
MrYellowlabs
You are correct and I am sure you feel as I do in that he did not do anything vicious but was a product of his upbringing. The alcohol played a huge role in bad decisions he made as well.
A good man......he was able to recognize his flaws. I met him in 1966 as a little league ball player in Texas. Later, got to see him play at Yankee Stadium and take a photo with him in the clubhouse. It was like being around the greatest athlete in the world. Peace be with you, brother Mick!
Not just like... you were.
Mickey was the heart of the Yankee lineup for so many years on so many great teams and he was a hero to millions of fans. I was one of them. Watching this interview moved me deeply.
He was fantastic
Me too
Not really you ask a kid of the fifties tell tell you Mickey Mantle was there hero and sixties as well
1burnman My dad was a kid in the fifties. He is black and his hero was Willie Mays.
Willie Mays was awesome and he still is
This is a great interview by Bob Costas. Kudos to him
I cried when he died like he was my best friend.....I loved the man and grew up idolizing him. He was human just like all of us and a super star......
Rich B I know what you mean. He was larger than life. His honesty and humility in this interview is very touching.
Mickey really shows his humanity in this interview. He didn't have to. After all, he's Mickey Mantle, one of the all-time greats of baseball. But he did. Showed us that he's the flawed sports hero who was never full of himself. About as humble a superstar as there is in sports.
Bob costas is an asset to the sports world. What a sportscaster
Me & my 4 year old son met Mickey ...a couple years before he passed away....he was very nice ...had my son sit with him for a pic......a great memory forever !! Thanks Mickey Mantle for the lifetime of memories !! RIP #7 !! 😇😇😇👍👍👍👏👏👏😁😁😁
It was always a thrill knowing that Mantle was on deck, and then seeing him walk to the plate. It was the magic of a great baseball player.
I was born in 1956 and you were one of my heroes! Thank you Mickey for all that you brought to my life. Love, Kate xoxo
The emotions conjured up while watching this, for me, were indescribable...Costas (and "the MICK" himself) brought their "A" game to this interview and in reality, "this" was Mickey's final home run...RIP Mick...and thank-you Bob Costas for showing there's a distinct difference between a "role model" and a "hero".....
Memorable interview. It took a lot of nerve for Costas to to delve into the inner Mantle as he did, and a lot of grace for Mickey to respond to it as he did.
They were very close friends. Costas spent a lot of time with him.
Mickey Mantle was always my favorite baseball player. I grew up in Staten Island, N. Y. and was a huge Yankee fan. When MM swung the bat, he wasn't cheated, and when he connected, the ball when farther than a lot of cheap homers you see today. I can't believe he never understood how much people loved him. I would have loved to meet him. He had a restaurant in N.Y.C. and was sometimes there, but I never went,. I never will forget him.
I still love you Mickey. Rest In Peace.
You turned out alright Mick. This interview brought tears to my eyes. R.I.P. brother.
You can tell it was huge priority for him not to hurt his team ever. Respect.
Amazing interview, brought tears to my eyes. RIP Mick
my man still after all these years....i see and hear him and remember - his humble personality
I am in awe how respectful the young interviewer is toward Mickey Mantle despite the delicate questions. Mickey hit a home run in this interview! R.I.P.
GOD DIDNT MAKE MANY GUYS LIKE HIM. THANKS FOR EVERYTHING YOU GAVE US. WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU MR MANTLE.....
Takes a strong man to admit all his flaws and be that brutally honest about his life in front of a camera for the whole world to see. I’m sure he wishes he had done some things different throughout his life but don’t we all? Rip
He found religion once he realized he had destroyed his liver.
S White - I hated the Yankees but I loved the Mick
Lester Green Mickey didn’t find “religion.” He surrendered his life to the Lord Jesus Christ. Former teammate Bobby Richardson, second baseman for the Yankees, led him to Christ while he was ill. He opened his heart and received Christ as his Savior and made his peace with God. Then went on to his eternal reward. And you can do the same if you decide to.
@@lestergreen1190 what a small minded thing to say.
@@terribleTed-ln6cm but true. He was a big bum.
I am 62 years old. Life long Yankees fan. First game I ever attended with my father was April 30, 1967 and Mickey homered twice to win the game. I attended MM Day on June 8, 1969 and sat with my father and a friend in section 23 row D lower deck. Best day ever. Mickey is my life long hero. This interview is chilling. RIP Mickey..."you turned out alright"..
You can really feel the admiration Bob has for Mickey here.
I worked so so so hard to buy my first Mantle Card. Not just a Mantle, but an authentic autographed card. I cherish this card so much. While I wasn't alive when he played, he sure influenced me and my love of the game. May he rest peacefully, and thank you Mickey!!
No one compares to Mickey.The very best.
Incredible honesty and vulnerability.
Great interview. I was a friend of Mickey Jr's. I am grateful that he (sr) shared publicly that he made mistakes and was not a great Dad. His sons loved him very much.
Mickey Mantle was my first hero,and he still is.
Mick was my first hero. Nothing can take that away.
Mantle is the kind of person you just can't help but like. i don't think i ever heard anyone ever say anything negative about him.
One of the greatest interviews of all time. Mickey had issues like most of us but his were magnified. Watching that face before the liver and cancer is as good as he ever looked. I watched him behave with poor judgment but many of us have too
This is the most direct and intimate yet gentle interview I have seen in my life. It's incredible.
Hey Mickey, you didn't "let me down" because you didn't break Ruth's home run record. Numbers aren't everything. And speaking of numbers, just how many World Series rings did you finally get, seven?
In any case, you created a compelling chapter, all your own, in the history of a great, poetic sport. Plus you OWNED Manhattan. King of the heap. That's experience that very few get to enjoy.
Mickey- RIP. Your heart softened and you turned out alright.
No one else could of done this interview better than Costas did it.
What a beautiful interview. How sad that he was haunted by feelings that he hadn't lived up to his potential. It shows that even the greats wrestle with feelings of inadequacy, imposter syndrome, and the fears we all have.
My chance to meet Mickey was when I was 33 years old in 1974. He retired in 1969 and got into the Mickey Mantle’s Mensware business with a retail store in the Indianapolis area. I wanted in line for almost three hours to meet him, get his photo and autograph, and tell him he was my all-time hero. He was so very gracious to me, and a day I will never forget…NEVER! RIP!
This is just incredibly sad and hard to watch. Knowing he died not long after this. Got very choked up, even though he died before I was even born. My grandmother drove down from Derby, Connecticut to watch him play in 1956 at her first ballgame at Yankee Stadium, got his autograph. It meant alot to her. RIP Mr. Mantle. One of the best ever.
God I love Mickey's voice. Its like every time he says something reminds me of a country song.
Mickey was definitely a hero! As I watched this video I recalled with great fondness going to Yankee stadium as a child with my dad to watch Mickey play. RIP Mickey! You did much more than alright!
Wow. Long live the Mick. I love him more now than ever.
Mickey was the epitome of a human being...Tremendously gifted and loved yet struggles that alot of us have...He is one of the best players and yankee of all time. Talent wise, arguably the best ever #7 #yankee #great
What a great video- I met Mickey at age 8 with my father at a card show - my dad had tears in his eyes at the time because the Mick was his idol growing up - he was a very gracious man that day ; I will always have fond memories of Mr. Mantle
Hes so introspective and understanding
What a brave man. Facing his demons in fron of his family, fans and friends. Mickey Mantle is the best!!! RIP.
Extraordinarily well done. Show grace wherever possible
You were one of the "Greatest" Mickey Mantle! A true humble athlete who admitted his flaws and was loved by many! He would've loved Mike Trout..
I am 68 years old and a born and bred Boston Red Sox fan and I don't know why but Mickey Mantle was and still to this day my all-time favorite baseball player go figure but after watching this I now know why.
We can only imagine what this man, always considered one of the best in history, could have been without his many problems, including those cripplied knees. Probably w/o a doubt ... The GOAT!
I believe in his last few years, he became the man, the father, and the hero we were all hoping for. Good for you & all of us. May you continue to rest in peace #7!
Emotional honesty and genuine heart. I wanted to give him a hug and tell him when I was 7 my first year playing ball the coach handed me #7 and looked at my dad and said “Mantle’s number. “ that was 1978. I loved him and the stories I would read about him. He inspired me to have fun. I was passionate partly because of him.