Jane Leavy - 2010, HarperCollins Publishers
Jane Leavy makes no qualms about being a Mickey Mantle fan, but her book attempts an unbiased approach to dismantling the myths and legend he left behind. The book is a little difficult to get into at first, as she spends a full chapter dissecting the possibilities and probabilities of the tape measure home run. It's also hard to battle any reader's initial reaction of having heard it all already in regard to a book about Mantle. It does get more interesting as she selects a key parts of his career to delve into, including the effects all his habits had on his family and children's upbringing.
More interesting sections include the truth behind common facts about the Mick and the various incidents that reveal his true opinion of Joe DiMaggio. Leavy adds another dimension by talking about the trading card industry and the retroactive affect it had on Mantle's career and post-baseball life. She also creates an intriguing parallel as she explores the familiar and well loved Mick of fans and teammates and the Mick who mistreated women and alcohol.
All in all provides for a solid book and interesting read.
More interesting sections include the truth behind common facts about the Mick and the various incidents that reveal his true opinion of Joe DiMaggio. Leavy adds another dimension by talking about the trading card industry and the retroactive affect it had on Mantle's career and post-baseball life. She also creates an intriguing parallel as she explores the familiar and well loved Mick of fans and teammates and the Mick who mistreated women and alcohol.
All in all provides for a solid book and interesting read.
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