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Mantle Series
Mickey Mantle: The Complete Collectibles Guide Part XIV: Mick in the Movies
In 1962, Mickey Mantle added “matinee idol” to his already impressive resume. Co-starring with his teammate Roger Maris, the two Yankee sluggers appeared in two films: “Safe At Home” and “That Touch of Mink.”
Filmed in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., during spring training, “Safe At Home,” under the direction of Walter Doniger, featured William Frawley of “I Love Lucy” fame, Bryan Russell, Don Collier, Patricia Barry, and the “M&M Boys.”
The story line centered on a young boy, Hutch Lawton, played by Russell, who boasts to his Little League teammates that Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris are his father’s friends. When his story starts to snowball, he is forced to promise that Mickey and Roger will attend a Little League banquet. In order to make contact with them, young Hutch hitchhikes to meet his idols at spring training.
Refusing to be a part of the young man’s deceit, Roger and Mickey deny his request. Heartbroken, Hutch then returns home to tell the truth to his Little League teammates. Just as he finishes his confession, word arrives that Mantle and Maris have invited the Little Leaguers to join them for spring training..
