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MICKEY
MANTLE FORTIN
On July 17th, 2009 (Friday morning) I met this incredible man at a
restaurant in Naugatuck, and am compelled to tell his amazing story.
Mickey
Mantle Fortin
Born in Waterbury
CT and past member of Who's Who in America, Mickey
majored in journalism at Florida Southern College and wrote for TAMPA
BAY'S BEST. His family, Yankee fanatics, owned FORTIN'S, an Italian
rest. in Naugatuck CT. Friend's and patron's included Mickey Mantle,
Joe DiMaggio and other celeb's too numerous to mention. Mickey was
invited to be apart of HBO's, documentary 'MANTLE'.
Mickey
Mantle meets Mickey Mantle Fortin
Mickey Mantle
Fortin was born on June 10, 1953 nine months after
Clarence vowed to name his son after Mantle if he hit a home run to win
the 6th game of the 1952 World Series. We know he did. Not only did
Clarence name his son after Mantle, he established a friendship with
the Mick that lasted longer than 20 years.
Unbelievably Clarence J. Fortin and Mickey Mantle both passed away on
August 13th and incredibly both died from the same terrible disease
liver cancer.
One of Clarence ’s most revered wishes was to see his son
Mickey play baseball. His wishes came true as Mickey also played
centerfield and wore Mantle’s famous number 7.
Mickey Mantle Fortin’s high school baseball team, the
Naugatuck Greyhounds set a national record in 1970-71-72 by winning 64
consecutive games, marking baseball longest win streak ever.
Mickey also led his team in 1971 by winning the batting championship
with a .377 average and receiving NVL conference awards and All New
England All Star Baseball Team recognition.
Naugatuck team pictures and autographs hung in Cooperstown
NY’s, Baseball Hall of Fame for many years until the streak
was eventually broken.
Mickey
as a little boy
More
pictures of Mickey, his family,
and baseball legends
A
sneak preview of the depth of this
man's soul from a poem he wrote:
Sure
I have experienced life,
with
its highs and lows;
Mistakes
I've made many;
but
they've helped me grow.
Spiritually
and emotionally
I
know I have learned,
Friendship
and Trust
are two
gifts that
we earn.
For
at the end of your road,
I
hope you all see,
People
are not perfect;
Not
You and Not Me!
I've saved the best for last. Now I bring you a story called "Fouls
Balls From Heaven" from the
man who lived it, and the God above who planned it:
Foul
Balls From Heaven
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