Mickey Mantle calls it quits

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - A baseball icon of the 1950's and 60's retired on this date in 1969. Mickey Mantle made the announcement at the spring training home of the New York Yankees, ending an 18-year career. It's remarkable it lasted that long considering "Mick" endured a variety of injuries, mostly to his legs.

In announcing his decision, Mantle revealed the frustrations of a proud athlete, he was only 37, whose body would not perform, "I don't hit the ball when I need to. I can't steal when I need to, I can't score from second base when I need to."

Mantle had superstar numbers, but they could have been better. He was the prototype 5-tool player when he came up to the Yankees at age 19 - hit for average, hit for power, run, throw, catch. Early in his career he was described as the fastest player from home to first, but that was before leg injuries turned him into a 4-tool star.

Career statistics:
3-time MVP
16-time all-star
On 12 pennant winners
On 7 World Series championship teams
536 home runs
.298 average
.421 on-base percentage
.557 slugging percentage

Contributing sources:
New York Times, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, March 2, 1969
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