“This Day in Yankees History (July 16)
69 years ago
Mickey Mantle is demoted to Double-A Kansas City after stumbling out of the gate in his rookie campaign. The Mick, at the time, was wearing #6, and had a terrible initial run in the minors as well, going 0-22 to begin his assignment. The fateful phone call with Mantle’s father followed, and the rookie turned his season around, batting .361 for the Blues and earning a role back with the major league club. The rest, as they say, is history.
Mantle’s early struggle should serve as a good reminder for us all if Jasson Dominguez goes 3-38 to start the 2023 season.”