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Posted By: Todd Schultz

You didn't have to be from or in New York to see how great he was and how highly he was regarded. I grew up in Minnesota in the 60's. Mantle was idolized there as well, even in the face of pretty good Twins teams and with his talents waning as his legs betrayed him. His contemporaries could almost sound like schoolboys in their praise, and I believe the opinions of these stars is a strong endorsement of his greatness.

I only got to see him play 3-4 times, but can remember how it seemed everybody in the stands stirred and paid particular attention when he came up to bat, like they knew they were watching something they might never see again. My father, a life-long Dodger fan and ardent Yankee hater, could only muster occasional weak and passing criticism of #7. I believe my memories aren't different from those of many (probably most) baseball fans of the era.

Will his popularity survive another couple of generations? I vote absolutely.