New York Yankees Old-Timers’ Day provides fans with a chance to look back on the rich history of the greatest franchise in sports.
Today, for the 70th time, the New York Yankees will gather everyone from retired players to athletic trainers, broadcasters to fans, and managers to staff in order to celebrate their storied franchise.Fans who were born in the 21st century realize the significance of the event, but do not realize the significance of the events that will be recalled.
When Michael Kay and John Sterling stand at the Yankee Stadium podium to introduce players that either had a tremendous impact or a marginal one, fans will be taken on a trip through Yankee history. Viewership is imperative in appreciating the organization that you support day in and day out.
Perhaps the greatest part of the longstanding tradition is that every year has a distinct and unique twist. You certainly will not see the same players every year and a new year means different opportunities for fan favorites and legends to make their way onto the field.
While some may not know every single player on the list of attendees initially, by tomorrow evening they will be known inside and out.
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Here is the list of those expected to take part in the festivities and, if they played with the Yanks, the years they spent in the Bronx:
- Jesse Barfield (1989-1992)
- Brian Boehringer (1995-1997, 2001)
- Scott Bradley (1984-1985)
- Dr. Bobby Brown (1979-1981)
- Homer Bush (1997-1998, 2001)
- David Cone (1995-2000)
- Bubba Crosby (2004-2006)
- Bucky Dent (1977-1982)
- Al Downing (1961-1969)
- Brian Doyle (1978-1980)
- Mariano Duncan (1996-1997)
- John Flaherty (2003-2005)
- Whitey Ford (1950-1967)
- Oscar Gamble (1976, 1979-1984)
- Joe Girardi (1996-1999, Manager-Present)
- Rich “Goose” Gossage (1978-1983)
- Ron Guidry (1975-1988)
- Charlie Hayes (1992, 1996-1997)
- Rickey Henderson (1985-1989)
- Arlene Howard
- Helen Hunter
- Reggie Jackson (1977-1981)
- Scott Kamieniecki (1991-1996)
- Pat Kelly (1991-1997)
- Don Larsen (1955-1959)
- Graeme Lloyd (1996-1998)
- Hector Lopez (1959-1966)
- Jill Martin
- Hideki Matsui (2003-2009)
- Lee Mazzilli (1982)
- Ramiro Mendoza (1996-2002, 2005)
- Stump Merrill (Manager, 1990-1991)
- Gene “Stick” Michael (1968-1974)
- Gene Monahan (Trainer)
- Diana Munson
- Kay Murcer
- Jeff Nelson (1996-2000, 2003)
- Paul O’Neill (1993-2001)
- Lou Piniella (1974-1984)
- Willie Randolph (1976-1988)
- Mickey Rivers (1976-1979)
- Eddie Robinson
- Tanyon Sturtze (2004-2006)
- Ralph Terry (1956-1957, 1959-1964)
- Marcus Thames (2002, 2010, Coach-Present)
- Joe Torre (Manager, 1996-2007)
- John Wetteland (1995-1996)
- Roy White (1965-1979)
- Bernie Williams (1991-2006)
No matter how significant the name, they all had some impact on the landscape of New York Yankees history. The invitation to Old-Timers’ day means you are a piece to an exceptional event devoted to the fans.
Those same fans witnessed the likes of Joe DiMaggio and Yogi Berra trot out onto the field for the event. The Yankee faithful goes back way beyond any of our years. Commemorations for Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig sparked the tradition of honoring the heroes of a ball club with an exemplary past.
The luxurious nature of the franchise, the heart and soul of the crowd, the pride of the players and their families, and the devoted staff. All of that is put on display in a showcasing highlighted and bolded on every year’s 162 game schedule.
Not to forget the game. Watching former players attempt to find their once possessed athleticism and impress on a large stage is a sight to see. However, the smiles on the faces of these individuals will always remain priceless.
As the Yankee organization closes in on three-quarters of a century withholding a forthright tradition, none should be taken for granted. With that said, being at the ballpark or in front of your television at 11 am ET is essential to provide perspective and emotion to bygone days.
