Let’s shed some light on some of the forgotten New York Yankees who have avoided the spotlight during this past decade.
The New York Yankees and their timeless traditions have been around for decades. There have been famous names, like Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle and Thurman Munson, who have made their mark on baseball through their time on the Yankees.
Then there have been the others. The no-name players who contributed to World Series Championships. The lesser-known names that played key roles in American League dominance.
We are gathered here today to bring some inkling of a memory to the players that may not get the recognition of Derek Jeter and Don Mattingly. No, we are here to honor those who were on the Yankees, yet managed to stay out of the spotlight.
This slideshow marks the start of a series that will go through forgotten Yankees players from the decades. And trust me, there are a lot. Hopefully, it’ll make you think that while the Gary Sanchez’ and Dellin Betances’ steal the spotlight, those smaller players can make world of difference.
And ten years from now, you might not remember them. But they were there and they were Yankees.
Here are five forgotten players on the New York Yankees from the past decade. Here we go.
1. Travis Hafner
Then: Ah, now the memories are coming back. The former Cleveland Indians designated hitter and first baseman took a turn in the Bronx back in 2013.
Signing a one-year contract with the Yanks, Hafner got off to a hot start in April while batting .318. Unfortunately, that phase quickly passed and Hafner rounded out the season with a .202/.301/.378 line.
But during this time in New York, the Yankees and their fans learned to respect the lifelong Indian. While battling injuries, he still managed to play in 82 games. Although that was not enough to get the Yankees into the playoffs.
Hafner is one of those names that you completely forget played in the Bronx. He didn’t crush home runs or stand out in any particular way. He was a big name that ultimately got lost in the shuffle in his one season in the Bronx.
Now: After his stint with the Yankees, Hafner promptly retired. He had shoulder issues his entire career and it finally got the best of him.
But he’s still part of the game of baseball. Besides cheering on his beloved Cleveland Indians in the Fall Classic, Hafner also participated in the Celebrity Softball game during July’s Eastern League All-Star event.
And he crushed three home runs. Safe to say, the guy’s still got it. Too bad he didn’t make that happen with the Yankees.
2. Kerry Wood
Then: The former Chicago Cubs ace came over to the Yankees mid-way through the 2010 season. While only there through a half of a season, Kerry Wood served his purpose by being the set-up man to All-Star closer Mariano Rivera.
Wood appeared in 24 games and ended his tenure with the Yankees with a 2-0 record and 0.69 ERA. In 26 innings pitched, he struck out 31 batters and only gave up one home run. Safe to say that Kerry Wood was lights out under the biggest spotlight in the Bronx.
However, the Yankees decided not to continue on with Wood and he eventually found his way back to his beloved Cubs. With the stats, why not keep him around?
Regardless, Wood’s time in New York may have been short, but he made a huge impact, especially during the Yankees postseason run.
Now: Much like Hafner, Wood couldn’t stay away from the game. Wood ended up retiring from baseball after 12 years but since then has remained with the Cubs in a different capacity.
Currently, Wood serves as the special assistant to both the Cubs’ President of Baseball Operations and their general manager.
Working alongside Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer, Wood got to celebrate firsthand all the excitement surrounding the Cubs World Series victory.
Maybe Wood couldn’t win a World Series with them as a player but as least he got to be a part of it in some way.
3. LaTroy Hawkins
Then: Another relief pitcher in the mix, LaTroy Hawkins also pitched a half a season in the Bronx. In 07-08 off season, Hawkins signed a one-year deal that brought him to New York and then was designated for assignment in July.
During his short stint in New York, he made 33 appearances in relief, resulting in a less-than-impressive 1-1 record with a 5.71 ERA. Hawkins ended up being one of those low risk signings that blew up in the faces of the Yankees.
After his time with the Yankees, Hawkins went to the Houston Astros before bouncing around with several other teams. Hawkins had potential but didn’t show it in his limited time with the Yankees.
Now: Extra! ANOTHER former player stays close to the game. After retiring in 2015 at 42 years old, Hawkins accepted a position with the Minnesota Twins to serve as a special assistant.
It’s hard to step away from the game and luckily Hawkins got to work with one of his former teams. Another piece of history for Hawkins that connects him to the Yankees: Hawkins was the opposing pitcher during David Wells’ perfect game against the Twins.
The more you know!
4. Wilson Betemit
Then: Utility infielder, Wilson Betemit played for the Yankees from 2007 until the end of the 2008 season. Traded over from the Los Angeles Dodgers, Betemit got significant playing time for the Yankees.
While his stats weren’t necessarily stellar, they were enough to keep the Yankees afloat. In fact, Betemit impressed right away, smacking a home run in his first at-bat in pinstripes.
In his two seasons with the Yankees, he batted .253 and played a plethora of positions. Whether he was in the infield or the outfield, he helped make the team better.
Not very well-known, Betemit reminds me of the current Ronald Torreyes in his versatility. However, even though he played everywhere, he is not as recognized as some other players on the roster.
Now: Betemit is still trying to make it in the baseball world but it hasn’t really worked out for him. The dream of playing American professional ball ended in 2015 when he was caught for use of PEDs. After a short time in the Dominican Winter League, Betemit tried again in the Mexican League before getting cut.
So the dream is still there but just less attainable. Whatever happens, we wish him the best!
5. Doug Mientkiewicz
Then: The former Boston Red Sox first basemen jumped across the AL East to join the Yankees in 2007. Only there for one year, he missed three months of the season due to injury. Well, we all have seen that happen before, right?
Anyway, Mientkiewicz batted .277 in 72 games and boasted a .996 fielding percentage in 70 games at first base. Despite being a seasoned veteran, his performance with the Yankees went under-the-radar due to the star power on the Yankees.
Mientkiewicz wasn’t a first choice for the Yankees but he helped them out during their 2007 campaign. The well-traveled first basemen made a difference in New York but didn’t bring them closer to a ring.
Now: Now, Mientkiewicz is still in the game and mentoring the youth of the sport. After his retirement, Mientkiewicz lost out on being the manager of the Twins to Paul Molitor. However, he still managed to work in the Twins organization.
Currently, he serves as the manager for the Single-A affiliate the Fort Myers Miracle. Just like these other players, sometimes a true player just can’t leave the game behind.
Stay tuned for next week where I’ll cover forgotten players from 2000-2007 for the New York Yankees. Trust me, it will be even better.