Mickey Mantle, one of the greatest sluggers in baseball, became a legend as he hit 536 home runs in his American League career. Playing switch-hitter for the New York Yankees, he was named the American League’s most valuable player (MVP) in 1956 when he led the League in batting average, home runs, and runs batted in. He once hit four home runs in four consecutive time-at-bats.

Mickey, who lived a rough life, joked that if he died, he would stand by the Pearly Gates and knock; God would open the door and say, “I’m sorry, Mickey, you aren’t allowed into Heaven, but would you mind signing these baseballs for me?”

Near the end of his life, Mickey received the news that he needed a liver transplant. Life became more intriguing for him as he thought of what would happen to him after death. Was there more to life than the covers of his book?

It was about this time that his friend and teammate Bobby Richardson and his wife Betsy came to visit him. As they discussed some of the finer moments in baseball history, Mickey shared with Bobby some of the questions he had about eternal matters.

Following the liver transplant, Mickey discovered that he had terminal cancer. He called for another visit from Bobby. When Bobby arrived, Mickey expressed that he had accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior.

Betsy was concerned whether Mickey really did take the big step and allow Christ to enter his heart so she asked Mickey two questions: a. If you were to die today, would you know where you are going? b. For what reason would God let you into Heaven?

To the first question, Mickey said he definitely would go to Heaven. He also answered the next question with no problem. He mentioned that it was only by God’s grace that he would go to Heaven.

It wasn’t that he hit 536 home runs or he was kind, generous, or went to church now and then. It was that Jesus died on the cross for his sins allowing Mickey to go to Heaven. The Richardsons rejoiced with Mickey, believing they would indeed meet him in Heaven.

Shortly after Mickey died, Bobby spoke about that special moment with Mickey at the funeral which was televised nationwide on CSPAN.

My friend, how would you respond to the two questions Mickey was asked? Would you not want the comfort of knowing where you would go after you die? It is only by accepting God’s grace that Jesus, God’s only Son, died on the cross for my sins and yours that you can go to Heaven. You may live a rough life, but God can heal you so that life will have new meaning.

Ephesians 2:8, says it all: “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing (by being good), it is the gift of God.”