Mickey Mantle’s Finest Moment Wasn’t on the Field

A note to older leaders.

Of all the things you can give to the world – not the least among them is your life story.

Every life is an experiment with the truth – and has the power to instruct, if you’re willing to share it with honesty and humility.

Mickey Mantle (1931–1995) was one of the greatest hitters baseball has ever known. Over 18 seasons with the New York Yankees, he hit 536 home runs, appeared in 12 World Series (winning seven), and earning him a place in baseball’s Hall of Fame.

But behind the accolades was a man haunted by his family history. Both his father and uncle died of Hodgkin’s disease in their forties, and Mantle grew up believing he would too.

He turned to alcohol, and over time, the drinking took its toll – not just on his health, but on his wife and kids. After decades of substance abuse, his liver was on the verge of collapse.

Facing death, he had a choice to make. He could either slink away with his tail between his legs, or play for impact. He chose the latter. He arranged for a prime time TV interview and looked straight into the camera and told the nation: “You talk about a role model. This is a role model: Don’t be like me.”

But he didn’t stop there. He used his final spotlight to advocate for organ donation: “If you want to do something great, be a donor.”

And the American public responded. Organ donation surged. To this day, it’s known as the “Mickey Mantle effect”.

Mantle’s final innings was by far his finest.

Be a donor. Not just of organs – but of your story, your scars, your testimony, your time. Share the full, unvarnished truth of the life you’ve lived, and all it has to teach.