On this date in New York Yankees history, Mickey Mantle earned the 1962 American League’s Most Valuable Player Award.
Mantle secured his third career MVP (1956, 1957). He beat out teammate Bobby Richardson.
The Commerce Comet was an AL All-Star and gold glove winner, leading the Junior Circuit with a .486 on-base percentage, .605 slugging percentage, 1.091 OPS, 195 OPS+, and 122 walks. “The Mick” also clocked 30 home runs.
The center fielder became the third straight Yankee to win the award, following Roger Maris, who earned the honor in 1961 and 1960.
Mantle is among 11 players in MLB history to win the award three or more times.
#OTD in 1962, Mickey Mantle earned his 3rd career MVP Award 🏆🏆🏆
Only 11 players in #MLB history have won the award three-or-more times. pic.twitter.com/WG4zYppUmS
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) November 20, 2019
In addition, Mantle and the Yankees would win the 1962 World Series, defeating the San Francisco Giants in Game 7.
