Did DiMaggio and Mantle get along?

According to an excerpt from Dr Rock Postiano and John Positano’s book Dinner with DiMaggio, even as Mickey Mantle battled liver cancer, former teammate and fellow Yankee legend Joe DiMaggio couldn’t get over his grudge against Mantle.

“I thought Joe would back down as Mickey Mantle was dying of cancer.” “It did not occur,” they write. “Joe forgave Mantle for taking his advice about how to conduct himself as a Yankee and replacing him in centre field.” Despite receiving updates on Mickey’s condition, which was deteriorating, Joe refused to budge.

DiMaggio and Mantle shared the field for one season in 1951. Many people believe that the feud between the two players was sparked by jealousy.  Even though Mickey Mantle retired in 1968 and Joe DiMaggio retired in 1951, Mickey Mantle became better than Joe DiMaggio.

DiMaggio was a 13-time All-Star, 9-time World Series champion and 3-time American League MVP. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1955 whilst Mantle was a 20-time All-Star, 7-time World Series champion and 3-time American League MVP. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1974.