Did Mickey Mantle have any health issues as a child?

Yes he did. The immortal Mickey Mantle was a mortal man. You could only imagine what type of career he would have had if he didn't drink and took better care of himself. The men in Mickey's family lived short lives. Mickey's Father died at the age of 39, and Mantle thought his faith would be as such. Later in his life Mickey was quoted as saying that if he knew he would live this long he would have taken better care of himself. After years of alcohol abuse Mickey Mantle was diagnosed with liver cancer in 1994. In June of 1995 Mickey received a liver transplant. At a press conference Mickey noted that many fans had looked to him as a role model; "This is a role model: Don't be like me". Before he died in August 1995 at the age of 63 of liver cancer He established the Mickey Mantle Foundation to raise awareness for organ donations. He was very proud of this. See Related Links below for more info on Mickey Mantle.