In 1968, near the end of what was to be Mantle’s last season, he came to the plate in Detroit against Tiger pitcher Denny McLain, who had already won 30 games. Mantle, a hero of McLain’s, was just one home run shy of moving into third place on the all-time list. Knowing this, McLain decided to serve up a couple of fat pitches. Surprised to see such a tempting delivery, Mantle didn’t even swing on the first pitch. The second he fouled off. The third he blasted for his 535th homer. While rounding the bases, he yelled toward the mound, “thank you, thank you, thank you. I owe ya.” After the game, Mantle autographed the historic home run ball and gave it to McLain. The commisioner’s office threatened to investigate the incident, but nothing came of it.
