You know, I wasn't even close to being born yet, in fact, neither of my parents were born yet, when the M&M boys, my idol, Mickey Mantle, and Roger Maris in 1961. Their goal was to break Babe Ruth's single season home run record, 60, which he set in the "Murderers Row" era, of 1927. Mickey Mantle was an American icon at the time, so, he was heavily favored over the reigning MVP, who beat out Mickey in 1960, for that MVP title, Roger Maris. Unfortunetly, Mickey's habits of hard-partying and just the overall way he took care of himself, would send him into a downfall, late in the season. He ended the season with 54 home runs, and was put on the DL for an infected hip. That left Maris, who had 58 at the time, to chase the Babe's record. The 1961 season added 8 games, which extended the season from 154, to 162. Maris fell short of the record on the 154th game, hitting 59 for the "season". He struggled for a hit in the next couple of games, but in the last games of the season, he hit #60, and then #61. Because he did not beat the record in 154 games, they had seperate records set up. Babe was at 60, and Maris was at 61*. The asterik, pointed out that Maris did not beat the record in 154 games, but still broke the season record. In 1991, the asterik was removed, and Maris was given the record. He had died 8 years before, he did not live to see that day. Mark McGwire and Barry Bonds have since shattered Roger's record, but the M&M boys of 1961 will forever be remembered in the mind of Yankees fans.

Mickey Mantle has been my idol for as long as I can remember. That #7 that has since been retired by the Yankees, will be burned into my head forever, and I like it that way. Mickey Mantle was an American icon when he was alive, and even dead now, he will be an icon in my head.

Long live Mickey Mantle #7, RF, New York Yankees.