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Posted By: Brian Weisner

I enjoyed 61 a great deal, but can't speak to Mantles behavior accept for the late 80's early 90's. I found Mantle to be happy go lucky in front of most of his admirers and a bit distrustful of sportswriters and journalist. I believe Mantle enjoyed drinking and telling stories because it allowed him to forget how he neglected his family and squandered his God given talent to have fun with the boys every night. In the end I think Mantle was sad and alone, with few close friends and hundreds of people who wanted to use him, especially Grier Johnson. I'm sure others on the board dealt with Mantle during this period and can shed further light. Back to 61, Barry Pepper was a dead ringer for Maris. later brian