Mickey Mantle funeral eulogy by Bob Costas
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- Опубліковано 11 вер 2024
- In August 1995, Bob Costas read one of the best eulogies you will ever hear at the funeral of the great #7, Mickey Mantle. Mantle's friend, Roy Clark, sang at the funeral, which you will hear immediately after Costas' epic eulogy. Here it is, as it aired live on TV.
I watched this service on live TV. I was rolling in tears when Roy played this
Spoke from the heart. Admitted his faults, had his regrets, then asked for forgiveness. Acheived greatness on the field, and my utmost respect in his final weeks. Marked the end of my childhood memories.
When I was a small boy in the mid-fifties I took a white t-shirt and with a black marker, I put pinstripes on that shirt and topped it off with a big number 7 on the back. It was beautiful even though Mama didn't seem to think so. My childhood was highlighted by Mickey Mantle and Elvis. I miss them both but Mick the most.
I grew up in the same area as Mickey. When he was still in High School he played ball with the Baxster Springs Whiz Kids, a semi-pro team, and they would come to Carthage Missouri to play in our big stadium. Carthage Municipal Stadium had been made like Yankee Stadium: 340 in Left, 326 in Right, and 456 in Center! Right at the Center Field 456 mark there was a big flag pole about thirty feet high. Mickey Hit balls over the flag pole that cleared the wall by at least 100 feet! He was still in High School. Then, after the Yankees signed him, He played one season in the KOM minor leagues that also played in Carthage. Nobody ever hit a ball as hard and as far! Nobody! Had he not gotten injured, I believe he would have become known as the greatest ball player since Ruth. As it was, he was our hero and we loved him like no one else. RIP Mick You done good! :)
Wow great story
Not to be that guy, but there’s no way in hell any of that is mathematically / physically possible. Great tale though
What a Great Eulogy by Baseball's Best Broadcaster.........R. I. P., Mickey......what a great Eulogy followed by Roy Clark's touching rendition of "Yesterday, When I Was Young"
I'll never forget in the summer of 2001, when one of his teammates, 2B Bobby Richardson, preached at my church here in Colorado. Mantle was the total hell-raiser while Richardson was the Bible-thumper. And, yet, Mickey saw Something in Bobby that he couldn't help but admire. They maintained a friendship through the years after baseball. And in the last few months of his life, because of Bobby's influence and patience, Mickey acknowledged Jesus Christ as his Lord & Savior.
Mickey Mantle was the reason Roger Maris was able to hit 61 Home Runs!! Maris hit 61 homers and NOT ONCE did he get an intentional walk, ALL SEASON!! WHY!? Because no sane pitcher OR manager would walk Maris to get to Mantle.
beautiful rendition by Roy Clark.
I think Bob Costas wrote the eulogy together with Billy Crystal - one of Mickey's greatest fans. It was a moving tribute to a great, great ballplayer. I root for the Red Sox, but alongside Ted Williams, I would rank Mickey Mantle as one of my greatest baseball heroes. RIP Mickey.
I snuck out of work and watched this service on TV (probably ESPN) and Champs Sports Bar in Charlotte.
I will never forget it...
Damn. I was 11 when Mickey died and I was shocked to see my father break down in tears. He always mentioned that Mantle was a favorite of his but I didn't know exactly how much he loved him until that day. My Dad died this summer and I know that he watched this live. Every second of it because he wanted to show his love for Mickey one last time.
Bob was so right on. I'm now 81 and if you do the math I was 9 years old in 1952. Mickey was my life. To this day when I'm walking through the supermarket parking lot and crossing lanes for cars I go into my 'slow trot' and yes, my elbows are up and in and they have been ever since 1952. I could write a book about his influence on my life and it had to do with his humbleness and courage. If a Yankees game was postponed because of rain I was crushed. EVERY at bat was special. And let me end by stating the following: NO ONE could have ever raced into left center field and reached down with his glove backhanded and caught the line drive off the bat of Gil Hodges to help save Don Larsen's perfect game! Yes, Willie was a better centerfielder BUT Mickey's lateral speed was incomparable to anyone.
Not only was "The Mick" a great player (my favorite) but he had the greatest baseball name ever, Mickey Mantle, the one and only.
Mickey Mantle May have been the greatest all- around talent to ever walk onto a baseball field. Certainly in al of baseball history there were only about four or five others with comparable skills in ALL phases of baseball. He was amazing- my boyhood hero growing up in the Bronx and an upstate small town. His swing was one of the few most beautiful things one could watch any athlete do, comparable,say , to a knockout right cross by Muhammad Ali.
I am 28 years old and I have seen my father cry one time. I walked into the living room and he watching this funeral. I am just as big of a Mick fan as he was. Thank you for posting this!
I cried and cried the day Mickey Mantle died. My step-father had died of the same thing in August 1994. My husband and I were driving around the country and he had to stop several times just to comfort me. Such a sad day. Such a sad trigger for my own personal loss. They actually were much alike. Sweet, principled, hard-working men who were shy and used alcohol excessively to loosen up and to deal with personal demons. They are at peace now.
I was a kid in the 50s and 60s. I idolized Mickey Mantle! I loved Mickey Mantle! I wanted to be just like Mickey Mantle! I wanted to be the next center fielder for the Yankees. I pretended I was Mickey Mantle in the sandlot baseball games I used to play in. I would play fake baseball games in the backyard and every time Mickey Mantle would come to bat, he would hit a home run. One summer I think he hit 450 home runs in my backyard!! My biggest thrill as I was growing up was seeing him hit 2 home runs in Comiskey Park in Chicago. I lived in Davenport, Iowa, and my Dad and I rode the train from Rock Island, Illinois to Chicago to see the Yankees play a doubleheader against the White Sox. It was amazing!! I collected baseball cards and had amassed about 20,000 by the time I graduated from high school in 1968. 2 of those cards were 1952 Bowman Mickey Mantle rookie cards that were given to me by my Uncle Bill. Would you believe that when I left for the Air Force, my Mom cleaned my closet out and threw them all away. Groan!! Of course nobody knew back then what those cards would grow to be worth. I would have been a rich man. Oh well!!
You are a rich man; these memories are precious and priceless.
I'm sorry for your cards loss
He had career ending injuries early in his career that most would've never came back from, but when you're that tough and determined you keep showing up and doing your best. Let's face it, Mickey at 50% was still better than 99% of any other ball player ever.
Imagine how good that Mantle would've been if he didn't step in that drain hole in his rookie season.
Can't believe this video has add's that kick in half way through a eulogy
Can't believe it is almost twenty years since the Mick passed on. I miss him terribly because of all the great stories he would always tell, and they way he would tell them, as only Mickey Mantle could.
Best all-round baseball player of all time. Will never be another Mickey Mantle.
The anniversary of his death 20 years ago brought all of this back - his amazing accomplishments that will never be equaled. 'Yesterday When I was Young' is the perfect summary of his life and what he did and felt. I met him once at a book signing and was too tongue-tied to tell him he had been my idol since he started in MLB!!
Just a perfect and powerful swing Mantle had. Everytime he came up to bat in Yankee stadium you could feel the drama. And that roar come up when he hit a home run was something else
He was our innocence our purity. . When he died he took a piece of us . Rest in peace big man
Greatest all around player ever
Indeed, Mick was the best
NicholasDad77, THANK YOU so much for posting this!! I watched it on TV, but it is even more meaningful now, especially Roy singing as Mickey had asked him to do years before.
In his eulogy for Stan Musial Bob spoke of seeing Stan during this funeral, and then told a story of the two of them that is very powerful. I grew up and learned to play the game in the 1950s and 60s and it's true, even though I was a Cardinal fan first and foremost, Mickey was the national symbol of baseball.
The Mick was the vision of the ideal American man in the mid 1960's. I know as a kid in Detroit, I knew two names: Al Kaline and Mickey Mantle.
I WATCH THIS ON THIS DAY IN 1995.....AND CRY FOR HOURS
In so many ways "Yesterday When I Was Young" is the most perfect eulogy for Mickey Mantle. Bob Costas gave a beautiful, heartfelt tribute--but IMHO all that really needed to be said was this Roy Clark classic--you could have skipped everything else!!
I remember hearing Costas was going to do the eulogy and thinking and praying.....please don't Fu%& this up Bob. It meant so much to my memory that The Mick be honored properly. Costas did it far better than I had any right to hope. Beautiful and heartfelt, Bob Costas spoke for so many of us, just beautiful. And as he has aged he has become one of the smartest of any in the media. He is eloquent and sincere and I'm grateful.
Thank you for posting this! What a Great Tribute to Mickey by Bobby, Bob Costas and Roy Clark!
Started watching Mickey Mantle and the Yankees when I was 6 years old in 1967, at the very tail end of his career. I grew up in Brooklyn in Dodger country although they had moved west. Most if not all Dodger fans eventually adopted the Mets so I was in a huge minority but my Uncle Aldo who fought 4 years in WW2 (A Bona Fide war hero) was an against the grain guy and a Yankee fan. He always treated me like gold and much to the chagrin of my family, he turned me onto the Yankees and I never looked back. Mickey even in his waning years was my hero (along w/ Joe Namath) and I will never forget him. He went out of life on a high note warning kids not to make the same mistakes he made as far as abusing his body through alcohol abuse and not being prepared sometimes to play but he was so naturally great that he was still one of the all time greats of baseball. Just think what he could have accomplished had he been on point. God rest his soul.
In Commerce Mick would visit his mom from time to time when I was a kid and he would leave her some signed baseballs when he visited to give to the local kids . I lived on the other sided of town so by the time I heard Mick was in town all the balls were gone ...I never got one . But I got to know his relatives and old friends and I got to hear some of the stories from the folks he grew up with . Its funny ..or sad ..those guys that got those signed balls were so proud to play with those signed balls that they were lost . I think Mick would rather us play with those balls .
Mickey Mantle (Yankees period!) was my favorite, all my life player. To think what Mickey would have done even more if he had been in all the games healthy & well. He was the most ordinary, approachable, plainly likable famous celebrity...he loved kids and spent hours with them...He is the greatest ever. How I wish I had been his friend.
I am surprised that there is not millions that watch this amazing eulogy to Mickey. Thanks for posting it.
Mickey Mantle was my 1st favorite Ball Player , the 1st name i remembered hearing associated with Baseball. Ironicaly i became a Sandy Koufax and lifelong Dodger fan because of the way he struck out Mickey and the Yankees in the 63 World Series. R.I.P. Mick.
Charles Canterbury loved the Mick got to see him hit a home run in Anaheim stadium into the parking lot
Someday some lucky soul who grew up in the late 90's and early 2000's will do a eulogy about derek jeter. It better be amazing
Wow Mickey was something....Nice job, Bob
This is excellent. I highly recommend watching the eulogy of Stan Musial - also done by Costas. Brilliant.
I hope you're trying to be funny because Bob Costas truly was and is an ultimate and super knowledgeable baseball (and huge Mickey Mantle) fan, and given that plus his articulateness and writing ability, I truly don't believe anyone could ever have done Mickey Mantle's eulogy as well as he did.
I was umpiring a ball game the Sunday morning Mickey Mantle died. Between innings I overheard some of the players discussing the news. Most of them had probably had no recollection of Mickey playing, but everyone seemed to be saddened by his death.
I lived in Pennsylvania, but I loved Mickey Mantle so much, that I became a Yankee fan for a while. Costas is exactly right, in the 50's, Mickey Mantle was baseball, he really was. To me he was the greatest player ever. Had it not been for his bad legs, he would easily have had all the records a player can have.
Tremendous tribute to one of the great players from one of the great broadcasters, Bob Costas.
steven cooke cnn
I am a Red Sox fan. However, in my opinion, "The Mick" was the greatest player ever!
Costas: Billy Crystal's here today...he says that at his Bar-Mitzvah, he spoke in an Oklahoma drawl...priceless. I think Bob Costas is second perhaps to only the legendary Vin Scully in terms of his elegant way of speaking. Costas too one day will be in the broadcast wing of the baseball Hall of Fame, I hope.
Good prophesy - Bob made it!
I hadn't even seen baseball on television before 1986, but I'd heard of Mickey Mantle.
Thanks for sharing this - I've been trying to find the Roy Clark part for the longest time. I wish the commentator didn't talk over the start of it.
Only 40 years old, but can relate to the Mick. Struggles transcend age. Mick was a great person who fought the demons that some people cannot comprehend..
My dad was a Brooklyn Dodgers fan and he cried when Mickey Mantle died.
For Baby Boomers everywhere, memories of "The Mick" will always remain. To this day, I can still see him kneeling down in the on-deck circle waiting to bat, or jogging around the bases after hitting another tape measure home run. For me, and millions like me, there will never be another Mickey Mantle. What wonderful memories.
Was watching this on TV and I made sure I was alone because I knew Mick requested this and I would be crying like a baby
I wish i could have seen the Great Mick play ball !!! God Bless Mr. Mantle
My childhood passed loving the Mick, Mays, Stan the Man, and anyone who every played for the poor Senators (My Rangers now)...It will be with me until they throw dirt in my face...God Bless Base Ball...
I think this eulogy is in the Baseball Hall of Fame at Cooperstown, NY.
Hopefully they added Bob's eulogy to Musial, which mentioned Mantle in a very poignant way.
The Mick...best ever.
The time you won your town the race, we cheered you through the marketplace.
Man and boy stood cheering by, as home we brought you shoulder high.
And round that early laurelled head will flock to gaze the strengthless dead.
And find unwithered on your curls, a garland, brighter than a girl's.
People make a big deal of what he did in his personal life but don't mention he still to this day holds a lot of WS Records also the longest HRs ever!!!!!!!!!!
perfection, mr costas.
If you aren't crying...
Mickey mantle would be 86 years old this year. I just can't picture Mickey being 86.
Wow that was great
Because it was along time ago, Costas hadn't yet made his mark, I was hopeful he wouldn't screw it up and he didn't. Yes he does a great job at whatever he announces.
I had a Mickey Mantle lunch box in the early 60's. Didn't know what it meant until later.
The man was honest and caring and by his courage lives were served well by him in the end. Mickey was loved. Did you not see the full church that came to pay their final respects!
You should be ashamed of yourself for what you posted.
Mays has already been forgoten. Did he play with the Cards....?
The Mick is still remembered.
Costas mentioned his eulogy on the HBO documentary, Mantle.
i want bob to read my eulogy.
When AMERICA was GREAT we had MARILYN MONROE MICKEY MANTLE and JFK it will never be again so sad
His influence on several generations is hard to measure. Or is it?
the mick was 1 and only 1962 double header at the stadium centerfield bleachers 7 hours wityh mantle still the best day of my life mick 2 homers bases empty,yanks win 2-0,never forget the crowd went nuts
Love the "Mick"
I was at Lucaya, Great Bahama, after my first voyage to United States, whem I heard about his death. And that night I saw at TV, in my hotel room, the images of the funeral of Mantle. In spite of that the baseball is not a popular sport in my country, Brazil, I was deeply touched by the ceremony. The Aznavour "Hier Encore" english version sang by his friend Roy Clark I desire that will be sang im my own funeral, that at my 85 years I think is not much distant. "A promisse is a promisse", I remember that Clark said before his song, and I wish that my friends repeat it at my own funeral.
JJ. de Magalhães Netto, from Ubatuba, Brasil
Baseball needs Mick again Great Player who with Gods help overcame his faults to be a Great Yankee
❤️
The Mick was the last of the greats.
You clearly have no class, no understanding of the word respect, and are hard of hearing. Mickey Mantle will be lovingly remembered forever by his sons, team mates and fans who were fortunate enough to see him play. And to the true baseball fans who never saw him play but have a sincere appreciation of history will know him too.
It is well documented that Mickey was an alcoholic which was partly driven by the fact he felt as a young man his life would be short just like his Dad's.
Bob Costas isn't dead
Same as when i had diarrhea watching MAYS after eating those ham-hocks and watermelon....
Looking for Stan Musial.
+Brian DiCarlo Learn to type is my suggestion
+Mike Name What on earth are you talking about?
@why would you think Bob could screw this up? Doesn't Bob usually do a decent job?
Gee, you think?
How he was even invited to that funeral, let alone stand up and give the eulogy, is beyond me.
oh please, he was great, but not the last. don't go crazy.
@9162vb48 must be a mays fan,and you are pissed how loved mick is and how hated willie is??
Oklahoma Kid
maybe because you have to be passed to get a eulogy,And I guess it's corny because Rose is such a stand up guy??
@leftyspade I envy you...really really do...baseball is just not the same
no
Why don't you tell us who you think is one of the last great's! oh let me guess Mays or Bonds.... JOKE!!!!
There are many of the old greats still alive (1) Willie Mays but if anyone would put Bonds name along side Mays obviously knows nothing about the game of baseball or the greatness that is the Say hay kid,
All this because Krammer punched him.
Mickey could have given so much more too baseball if he didn't drink so much
elvis presley He got caught in the Yankee's web. Whitey Ford, Yogi, etc.The Mick hailed from a small mining town. A country boy lost ion the big city.
Bob I saw the whole 18 years. don't tell me
.298 just isn't 300
+elvis presley Elvis could have given so much more to music if he didnt do DRUGS.....
elvis presley ....and I could have given so much more if I hadn't constantly bird dogged beaver .......
triumph with trump you tube
P
wtf
Mick is alive and drunk in Oakland
Mantle was a cruel arrogant jerk in his heyday. Being sick & tired brought the best out of him.
Good eulogy, but way too long and a tad corny at times.
As far as self-important creeps go, Costas is one of the worst.
yes its corny,,,,why cant cock costa get behind PETE ROSE?
Rose was everybit the playa