“Getting to know Mickey Mantle was as much fun as playing with pros,” Dan told me later.

In one of games that Mickey was umpiring, Dan strolled to plate with bases loaded. His big chance was here and he didn’t miss opportunity as he walloped a long double into gap. He hit a rope, and as he glided into second base Mickey yelled to him, “You hit sh*^ out of that ball, Nails!”

This was like a call from God. Hearing his idol tell him how well he hit ball was more fulfilling than Dan could ever have imagined.

What could be better than meeting and then hanging out with Mickey Mantle? How about being recognized as a ballplayer by your childhood hero?

It doesn’t get any better than that.

This content of this story was contributed by Dan Markim. A long time Yankee fan.

As I continued to watch my daughter, Manteee, and this other girl hit better and better I could not help but feel an enormous amount pleasure. They were transforming in front of me. Whatever those coaches told them and whatever those two girls absorbed from their coaches was generating solid hit after solid hit.

I could not believe how happy I was for my daughter and girl I did not know. There is something wonderful about learning and that willingness to be taught. Even though I only watched them I felt as if I was part of what was evolving in front of me.