NUMBER 7″DIED MORE THAN nine months ago. but the steady stream of visitors to his crypt at Sparkman-Hillcrest Memorial Park has not stopped. Visitors from around the country-as many as 30 a day on the weekends-make the pilgrimage to Mickey Mande s tomb to pay their respects. Some bring only a silent prayer. Others leave tokens of their appreciation at the site, where Mandes son Billy is also interred-Mantle trading cards, battered wooden bats, lovingly creased leather baseball gloves, and flower arrangements with the number 7 or a bat worked in among the posies. In a touching reversal of roles, some fans autograph baseballs for their idol: “Mick, you were always my only hero. I will always love you.” “Thanks for the memories. Rest in Peace, #7. “And one from a namesake: “In memory of my hero. Throughout my life, I am proud to have carried your name -Mickey Wilson, from Charlottesville, Va.”
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