Mickey Garagiola spent nearly his entire life on the historic Italian district of St. Louis known as "the Hill," playing baseball with his brother Joe and neighbor Yogi Berra, both of whom went on to become catchers in the major leagues. Although Mickey's fame would not come from professional baseball, he shared in a special bond with his friend and brother through military service in World War II.

Born Martin "Mickey" Joseph Garagiola in 1921, he was raised on Elizabeth Avenue on the Hill by parents who had emigrated from Italy. In 1926, his brother Joe was born and the two received their education through the local parish at St. Ambrose Catholic School.