Mickey Mantle

Mickey Mantle (http://images.google.com)

Mickey Mantle, otherwise known as "The Commerce Comet", was more than just a Yankees baseball player who lead the Yankees to 12 Pennant titles and seven World Series titles. He was a kind, giving baseball player who always donated time and money to the local charities. His generosity helped to save many lives. Though Mickey Mantle seems like a generous player on the outside, he was in pain on the inside. Mickey suffered from a bone infection called osteomyelitis which almost caused amputation of Mickey's Leg.

He was born Mickey Charles Mantle on October 20, 1931 in Spavinaw, Oklahoma. His father wanted his boy to grow up and become a pro ball player so he was named after the Hall of Fame catcher Mickey Cochrane. Mickey went to Commerce High School and by the age of 15, he was on a semi-pro baseball team with up to 21-years old. Mickey made a difference because he set up an organization that donated organs to sick people. He also donated money to the charity center even during the tough times in the 50's and 60's.

When the doctors told Mickey he couldn't play sports, he simply would just not hear it. Mickey never gave up even with osteomyelitis in his way. Also, he was unpopular with fans because he was exempted from military service. Mickey wanted to prove to is fans that he was something special which eventually turned into Mickey becoming a Triple-Crown winner, a 7 time World Series Champion, a Gold Glove Winner, a 3 time AL mvp, and a Hutch Award winner.

Mickey Mantle inspires me because he was not just another baseball player that made tons of money and liked to show off. He was a player who donated time and money to charities. He was one of the first big advocates for organ donation. When I'm older I would like to help a sick child who needs someone to be there for them. I would donate my organs to someone in need.

Mickey Mantle died on August 13, 1995 due to liver cancer. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest players to ever play the game of baseball, and more importantly, as a true giver.