Very sad news!
I've been a Mantle fan since 1960, but never had a chance to see him play live (other than TV) until 1968. We were at Beale AFB in northern California and my dad took my brother and I to Oakland to see the Yankees. It was a beautiful, sunny Sunday. There was an old-timers game before the Yanks-A's. Got to see the three DiMaggio brothers in the outfield. Then, the main event - Yanks vs. A's. Much to my chagrin, Mantle didn't start. Much to my horror, he never got in the game. I could only see him walking around in the dugout.
But, although I was/am disappointed I didn't get to see Mantle play, I did see the best throw I've ever seen. Campy Campaneris was on 2nd base. There was a long line drive to Colavito who was playing in left field. He fielded it on one hop and made a perfect throw to home plate to get Campy. Due to seeing that throw, I wasn't as disappointed at not seeing Mantle play and I became a Colavito fan.
I've always wanted to get an autographed photo with Mantle and Colavito, both in Yankee uniforms, but this is the best I've been able to find so far.
Mantle Austograph with Colavito.jpg
RIP Rocky!