The BBWAA elected the pair of pinstripers, Mantle on this first try, Ford on his second.
Their longtime skipper Casey Stengel would also be enshrined in Cooperstown that summer.
Mantle ranks third in WAR in franchise history, while Ford places ninth.
The former Yankees center fielder still rates second in club history in home runs and walks and third in adjusted OPS+, runs created adjusted batting runs and extra-base hits.
Mantle helped the Yankees win seven World Series titles, was a three-time MVP, Triple Crown winner, batting champ, gold glove recipient, and a 20-time All-Star.