Mickey Mantle Gives Advice To Prospects Rick Bladt and Joe Pactwa

Besides “hustle, play hard and be your best” what could Mickey Mantle say to young Yankee prospects? After all, they’re not Mickey Mantle.

As the news slug says:

March 8, 1971 -Ft. Lauderdale, FLA: Former Yankee great Mickey Mantle (L), a special instructor with the team at their spring training camp, gives some pointers to rookie outfield hopefuls Rich Bladt (C) and Joe Pactwa recently. Bladt played at Syracuse last season and Pactwa played at Manchester, N.H.. UPI Telephoto

RIck Bladt did get to play in the majors. 10 games for the Chicago Cubs in 1969 and 52 games for the Yankees in 1975. I specifically remember Bladt was featured on a 1974 Topps Rookies baseball card with Bake McBride, Brian Downing and Ed Armbrister.

Bladt  had a career batting average of .215 with one home run. In his 12 years spent in the minor leagues, Bladt hit .268. The California native was last reported living near Mt. Angel, OR and will turn 80 on December 9, 2026.

Joe Pactwa played nine seasons in the minors posting a .252 average. He made the majors as a pitcher for the California Angels in 1975 appearing in four games and winning his only decision. Pactwa died on March 10, 2009 at the age of 60