#21: His Time in Rehab
In 1994, Mantle checked into the Betty Ford Clinic to receive alcoholism treatment. The decision came after encouragement from friends and family—and after years of physical deterioration. Publicly, he was honest about why he had entered rehab, telling fans during a press conference, “Don’t be like me.”
It was one of the first times Mantle truly confronted his demons in front of the world. The moment struck a chord with many, especially those who had idolized him. For fans, this show of vulnerability made him more relatable than ever—Mickey Mantle, the hero, was finally human.