The Quality of Courage

by Mantle, Mickey; Creamer, Robert W.

• ISBN13: 9780803282599
• ISBN10: 0803282591
• Edition: Reprint
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1999-02-01
• Publisher: Univ of Nebraska Pr

Summary

As a man who played baseball brilliantly despite near-constant pain from a succession of injuries, Mickey Mantle knew something about courage. InThe Quality of Couragewe find Mickey's opinion on some of his widely-recognized associates including Jackie Robinson, Roger Maris, Casey Stengel, Joe DiMaggio, and Ted Williams. Here also are Mantle's opinions on some lesser known but equally meritorious candidates: war hero and pitcher Lou Brissie and umpire Bill Grieve. And then there is his opinion of those with whom he probably felt the strongest bond: players such as Roy Campanella, Don Zimmer, and Jimmy Piersall whose principal asset of physical excellence was suddenly taken from them. Much is made of the need for role models in our society, but it is perhaps as instructive to learn which qualities the role models themselves find worthy of respect and emulation. Mickey gives us his list in his characteristic straightforward style, leavened with humor and a wealth of good stories.

Author Biography

Mickey Mantle played for the New York Yankees, leading the team to twelve World Series between 1951 and 1968. Robert W. Creamer is the author of a shelf of fine baseball books including Babe: The Legend Comes to Life and the following Bison Books: Stengel: His Life and Times, Jocko (with Jocko Conlan), and Rhubarb in the Catbird Seat (with Red Barber).

Table of Contents

Introduction	11	(4)
Chapter 1 The Bravest Man	15	(7)
Chapter 2 My Friend, Mr. Ford	22	(6)
Chapter 3 Machine Guns and Oil Lamps	28	(8)
Chapter 4 Let the Critics Laugh	36	(10)
Chapter 5 The Spark Called Courage	46	(4)
Chapter 6 The Man Who Wouldn't Fight Back	50	(6)
Chapter 7 Instant Courage	56	(8)
Chapter 8 The Quiet Man	64	(7)
Chapter 9 Three-Foot Package of Bravery	71	(4)
Chapter 10 Pressure All the Way	75	(9)
Chapter 11 Nothing But Guts	84	(6)
Chapter 12 The G.I. Mustache	90	(5)
Chapter 13 They Shot His Leg to Bits	95	(7)
Chapter 14 Little Man with a Big Heart	102	(10)
Chapter 15 Biggest Comeback Ever	112	(10)
Chapter 16 Fat Freddie's Fight	122	(6)
Chapter 17 Campy	128	(6)
Chapter 18 Joe D. and Ted W.	134	(9)
Chapter 19 You Think It's Easy to Umpire?	143	(8)
Chapter 20 Brave and Honest Hutch	151	(8)
Chapter 21 Casey Never Quit	159	(9)
Chapter 22 The Iron Major	168	(8)
Chapter 23 Last Inning	176