Mantle was a hero in many ways, on/off the field. As you mentioned he made the most of his second chance and in my opinion created an influence on himself, his family and the community of the world. To understand why he took his second chance you have to go back to another point you brought up. His work ethic in the coal mines and his family's history of Hodgkins diesease. He finally put all that aside and was determined to changed. The Mick is the man. If it wasnt for Lou Gehrig, he cold have been the Iron Man of baseball. Good Story. Keep it up.

                                Utmost Respect,
                                       Happy Valley