He might have assisted in the portrayal of Mickey Mouse. Of course, the Disney Company can not give official recognition to Paul for his 25 years of milestones in fur because Castle was not Mickey Mouse. That historic pitch was made by Paul Castle.įrom 1961 to 1986, when he officially retired, Castle would refer to himself as the “Main Mickey” and it would be hard to argue with that designation. He handed it to Mickey who threw it out to Goofy who was acting as catcher. Walt was given the first ball to throw out. On April 23, 1965, Walt Disney, accompanied by Mickey Mouse, opened the Anaheim Stadium in California. When Mickey Mouse received his star on the Hollywood Boulevard Walk of Fame, it was Paul Castle. When Walt appeared in his final photo in front of the Sleeping Beauty Castle with Mickey Mouse waving, it was Paul Castle. When Mickey Mouse rode beside Walt Disney at the 1966 Rose Parade, it was Paul Castle. When Mickey Mouse cavorted publicly at the 1964 New York World’s Fair, it was Paul Castle. When Mickey Mouse pounded on the huge drum in the “Fantasy on Parade” down Disneyland’s Main Street for thousands of times, it was Paul Castle. The hidden sniper had been trained to react to any sudden, unexpected movement toward the president, but the crackling order over the radio stayed his trigger finger. Impulsively, Mickey Mouse bounded forward with his arms outstretched when he saw the chief executive. The Disney characters were standing in a line patiently awaiting a chance to meet the president. “Don’t shoot the mouse,” intoned the Secret Service man in a firm, terse, monotone voice over the radio.
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