9/21/1950 - Mick was brought up by the Yankees at the tail-end of the 1950 season for a "cup of coffee." Young Shortstop Signed by New York Yankees: The New York Yankees seeking to bolster their already strong infield, signed 18 year old switch-hitting shortstop, Mickey Mantle. The youngster was the property of the Joplin, MO., farm team and worked out with the Yankees on their recent Western trip.