In A Season in the Sun: The Rise of Mickey Mantle, Randy Roberts and Johnny Smith chronicle the 1956 season of one of the most popular players to ever step on a baseball field (even if he is a Yankee). Starting with his humble beginnings in Oklahoma, the authors trace Mantle’s meteoric journey to the big city of New York. It was not without difficulty or adjustments, but it was soon apparent that Mickey hit the ball farther than most players could. Despite being plagued with injuries most of his career, including a partially torn ACL which was never fixed, Mantle quickly became a fan favorite because of his boyish charm and ballpark exploits. A Season in the Sun details the highs and lows of the 1956 season as Mantle battles for the Triple Crown and documents how the press fought to keep Mantle’s private life from sullying his public image.
A Season in the Sun is incredibly well-written and well-searched. As an avid baseball fan, I was captivated on page one. It is amazing to read how Mantle was able to excel of the field while dealing with so many injuries. One can only wonder what stats he would have put up if he had been healthy. The grit required to withstand the grueling season, as well as a picture of the milieu of 1950’s America was diligently described throughout the narrative. The public persona and Mickey’s private life were telling and tortuous. Some of the deportment of other players was eye-opening and disconcerting as well. Finally, I originally thought A Season in the Sun covered the majority of Mickey’s career, not just 1956. I was wrong. If you are a baseball fan you will enjoy it nonetheless, as it is both entertaining and fascinating.
Katherine's Chronicle 