#16: Induction Into the Baseball Hall of Fame

He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame 1974 on his first ballot, receiving 88.2% of the vote. The induction ceremony in Cooperstown brought thousands of fans to honor him—many of whom had grown up watching his every at bat.

His speech was humble and emotional, reflecting on how much the game and his teammates meant to him. Standing among the sport’s legends, Mantle felt both pride and disbelief. For fans, it was a moment of recognition for a great athlete and a man whose story had touched their lives.