My Favorite Summer 1956

Mantle, like Ruth and DiMaggio before him, was arguably the most beloved player of his time in New York, and in this look back at his greatest year, written with New York Daily News sportswriter Pepe, one understands why he was so popular. In 1956 the Yankee centerfielder won the Triple Crown, batting .353 to beat Ted Williams, knocking in 130 runs to beat Al Kaline and hitting 52 home runs to beat everybody. He won the Most Valuable Player award and figured importantly in the World Series, chiefly because of a catch he made to preserve Don Larsen's perfect game. Mantle writes as well of his notorious escapades with Whitey Ford and Billy Martin and of his special relationship with manager Casey Stengel, but what readers will carry away is the picture of a fierce competitor who also seems to be a warm and generous-hearted human being. Photos not seen by PW. (Apr.)