"I've often wondered how a man who knew he was going to die could stand here and say he was the luckiest man in the world." Mickey Mantle Day 1969

 

Mel Allen starts it off. Pat Summerall holds back tears. Twelve teammates are introduced from 12 American League pennant-winning teams. Joe Collins, Gene Woodling, Gil McDougal, Eddie Lopat, Elston Howard, Tom Tresh, Joe Pepitone, Bobby Richardson, Whitey Ford, Jerry Coleman and a fellow named Rizzuto.

Mel Allen introduces Mickey to an ovation that lasts a remarkable 9 minutes and has to be cut off at some point, awkwardly. Mickey rides around the field in a pinstriped golf cart. 

"Playing 18 years in Yankee Stadium in front of you folks is the best thing that could ever happen to a ballplayer," Mickey says."I've often wondered how a man who knew he was going to die could stand here and say he was the luckiest man in the world. But now I think I know how Lou Gehrig felt."