#4: The Big MLB Debut

Mantle made his Major League debut on April 17, 1951, at Yankee Stadium. He was just 19 years old and carried the massive pressure of being labeled the successor to the great Joe DiMaggio. Though he initially struggled, even being sent down to the minors mid-season

He returned with renewed confidence. He hit .267 with 13 home runs that year and solidified his spot in the Yankees’ lineup. His raw talent was evident, and fans knew they were witnessing the early stages of something historic.