Interview with Fred Glueckstein

Mickey Mantle: Rookie in Pinstripes
Fred Glueckstein
iUniverse (2008)
ISBN 9780595469215
Reviewed by Dr. Michael Philliber for Reader Views (8/08)

Today, Tyler R. Tichelaar of Reader Views is pleased to interview Fred Glueckstein, who is here to talk about his new book, “Mickey Mantle: Rookie in Pinstripes.”

Fred Glueckstein is an author, freelance writer, and columnist. He specializes in non-fiction. His subjects include horses, jazz, baseball, and history. Fred was raised in New York City and attended Queens College of the City University of New York (B.A.) and New York University (M.A.). Fred’s work has appeared in “The Chronicle of the Horse,” “Mid-Atlantic Thoroughbred,” “Horses in Art, Equestrian,” “Texas Thoroughbred,” “Preakness Souvenir Magazine,” “ARMY,” “The Cavalry Journal,” “Finest Hour,” the Journal of Winston Churchill, and other publications. His monthly column on horses appears on the Internet on PhelpsSports.com, Equestrian Network Magazine, and USHorse.biz. Besides his new book “Mickey Mantle: Rookie in Pinstripes,” his non-fiction books include “The '27 Yankees” (2005) and “Of Men, Women and Horses” (2006). Fred and his wife Eileen live in Maryland. They have two children, Brian and Debra.

Tyler:  Thank you, Fred, for joining me today. Everyone knows the name of Mickey Mantle so my first question is what made you decide to write a book about a figure so many Americans, especially baseball enthusiasts, probably feel they already know everything about?

Fred:  When you think of Mickey Mantle one usually thinks of the great years. You think about the tremendous home runs he clouted or a great year like 1956 when Mickey won the Triple Crown, leading the American League in Batting Average (.353), Home Runs (52), and Runs Batted In (130). I wanted to write a book that focused on his childhood and the influences on his life that led to his Hall of Fame career. How did he accomplish greatness? Who along the way helped? What obstacles did he have to overcome?

Tyler:   Who is the audience for your book? Is it written for children, or baseball enthusiasts of all ages? Would people not interested in baseball even enjoy it?

Fred:  I wrote the book for Young Adults because I thought Mickey’s story, particularly his special relationship with his dad, was inspiring, timeless, and an exciting baseball tale. Mickey’s story is about a dad’s love for his son and what it meant to Mickey when he faced despair. Adults who have read the book have told me the story is for people of all ages.

Tyler:  When you say Mickey Mantle’s story is inspiring and you wrote it for Young Adults, do you think it reflects a better time in the history of the sport? Do you feel nostalgia for those earlier days in baseball’s history, or are the players today of equal caliber in your eyes?

Fred:  I do feel nostalgia for those earlier days. The game seemed purer. It was untainted by steroids and enormous salary contracts. Players stayed with their teams and fans could bond with them, something that does not exist so much today. Although many players are of equal caliber to those of years past, the game has been tainted by a few bad apples.

Tyler:   Fred, one thing I was struck by was that Mickey Mantle was shy, which is surprising when someone has to be in the spotlight so much. Will you tell us about his shyness and how he overcame it?

Fred:  Mickey was very shy growing up in rural Oklahoma. After signing with the Yankees after high school graduation in 1949, he played with their Class D farm team at Independence, Kansas. In truth, he was afraid to leave home. Later in 1950, when the Yankees had Mickey join the big club for the final two weeks of the season, he met people like Joe DiMaggio and was too shy to speak with him. After a great Spring Training in 1951, the Yankees signed him to the big club. After struggling in the early part of the season, Mickey was sent to the minor leagues, where he regained his confidence as a ball player. After he returned to the Yankees, he began to relax and contribute to the team winning the pennant. Knowing that the players and fans better accepted him helped him to overcome his shyness.

Tyler:   How would you describe Mickey Mantle’s relationship with the other players on his team? Did his shyness cause him difficulties in working as part of a team, or did he have to deal with jealousy on the part of other team members because of his skills?

Fred:  Mickey was extremely shy. Early in his rookie season, he wanted to succeed so he put a great deal of pressure on himself. When he struck out frequently, he became frustrated and things got worse. His relationship with teammates worsened not because of his shyness but because of the “rookie” mistakes he made. Overtime Mickey overcame both his shyness and played better. I think it was attributable to increased confidence, especially after he returned from a stint in the minor leagues in 1951. Upon his return, he contributed to the Yankees’ success, and Mickey felt more accepted by his teammates and fans.

Tyler:   Fred, this book is not really just about Mickey Mantle but also his father. Would you say without his father, he would not have become the great athlete and star he did? What about his father was so special?

Fred:  Elvin Mantle’s nickname from childhood was Mutt. He was an extraordinary man and father who worked in the lead and zinc mines. It was a tough and very unhealthy job. Mutt Mantle’s dream was to have his son become a gritty and tough professional baseball player like the man he was named after: Mickey Cochrane of the Philadelphia Athletics. Mutt worked with Mickey to become a switch hitter and practiced with him daily till it got too dark to continue. He encouraged him. Most importantly, Mutt Mantle was there when Mickey was sent to minor leagues in his rookie year and wanted to quit. Mickey was later to write that his dad was the most courageous man he had ever known.

Tyler:   “Mickey Mantle: Rookie in Pinstripes” is about Mickey Mantle’s early years in baseball. Fred, why did you choose not to write a complete life story of him?

Fred:  I preferred to write about Mickey’s early years in more depth. I wanted to center on what made him the great baseball star he was to become. I wanted to stay focused on what a person like Mickey had to overcome at an early age before he achieved stardom as an adult. Success is often preceded by adversity, hard work, and dedication. And it was so with Mickey. This was the story I wanted to tell.

Tyler:   Fred, I’m assuming this book would be considered an inspirational story, but didn’t Mickey also have some personal demons? Do you feel that detracts him from hero status?

Fred:  Mickey did have personal demons later in life. Many people do. Some are more successful than others in fighting them off. We need to remember that Mickey’s early life is a story of a young man overcoming tremendous adversity to become a professional baseball player that would go on to greatness. His success, bolstered by the love of his father, preceded more difficult times. It doesn’t diminish what he accomplished. It must also be remembered that Mickey always lived with the personal knowledge that the men in his family—father, grandfather and uncles—had all died at an early age from Hodgkin’s disease. Mickey expected that same fate.

Tyler:   Would you consider writing another book about Mickey Mantle’s later years?

Fred:  I might consider another book on Mickey’s later years. The 1961 season when Mickey and Roger Maris chased Babe Ruth’s home run would be a fascinating subject.

Tyler:  What about Mickey Mantle makes him still an icon and hero today, and what do you personally find most fascinating about him?

Fred:  Mickey Mantle is one of the most beloved heroes in American sports history. He was the shy, good-looking, all American boy who came from rural Oklahoma to win the hearts of New Yorkers and baseball fans across the nation. His exploits on the field were legendary. Whenever I talk with baseball fans and the conversation turns to the greatest New York Yankees: the names of Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, and Mickey Mantle always come up. People have a special fondness for Mickey. He was the player we all wanted to be as kids. His greatness as a ballplayer and leader has always fascinated me. His desire to play with pain and injury has also been something I have admired.

Tyler:  What specifically makes Mantle stand out from those other baseball players you just named, such as Babe Ruth?

Fred:  The Babe was a great slugger. But Mickey was the first switch-hitter that could hit for power. Some of his home runs were tape measure shots that are talked about today. He was also a player that often played injured, and his courage was inspirational to teammates and fans alike.

Tyler:   Fred, “Mickey Mantle: Rookie in Pinstripes” is not your first book about baseball. Will you tell us briefly about your other writings on this subject?

Fred:  I love non-fiction. I like to research and learn what I can about a subject. My first book, “The’27 Yankees,” was about my favorite subject: baseball. It is the in-depth story of the greatest baseball in history—the 1927 Yankees of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. I have also written extensively on horses and jazz (I am a tremendous fan of the legendary Duke Ellington). My love for these topics and non-fiction has been very rewarding as a writer.

Tyler:   Fred, what is it you find so fascinating about baseball, and why do you think it remains so much a part of American culture today?

Fred:  Baseball is a timeless game. The game played a hundred years ago is the same one played today. It is a game that brings backs memories. The times with your father, your childhood, favorite players, and pennant races stay with you forever. The game of baseball is part of the American fabric.

Tyler:  Thank you for joining me today, Fred. Before we go, will you tell our readers your website address and what additional information they can find there about “Mickey Mantle: Rookie in Pinstripes”?

Fred:  Thank you, Tyler. I welcome everyone to visit my website www.fredglueckstein.com where you can learn more about “Mickey Mantle: Rookie in Pinstripes” and my writing.

Tyler:   Thank you, Fred, for the informative interview and telling us more about one of America’s great inspirations for young people.

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