One of the best Yankee players, Whitey Ford, passed away at age 91 last October 09, 2020, at Long Island. He was fondly nicknamed as the “Chairman of the Board” and spent all of his 16 years of Major League Baseball playing for the New York Yankees. If you want to read the iconic Whitey Ford, this article summarizes the life and times of the Whitey Ford and why was he so influential in the world of baseball. The article starts with the start of his baseball journey, his journey to greatness, and what he has done in his final years.
The Legacy of Whitey Ford
Journey to Greatness
Ford was born in Manhattan, and at the age of 5, he moved to Astoria, which was just a few miles away from the famed New York Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. While his early years focused on signing with small, local baseball teams, his first big break came about when he was signed by an agent to play for the New York Yankees in 1947, and he was a Yankee through and through until he retired. He was nicknamed Whitey because of his light blonde hair.
Ford began his Major Baseball Game as a Yankee in 1950. He won his first nine decisions and lost the 10th game in relief. In his first years, Ford received the Most Valuable Player Award and the Sporting News Rookie of the Year Award.
During the Korean war in 1951-1952, he served for the US army but quickly rejoined the Yankees in 1953. The Yankees Big Three “Allie Reynolds, Vic Raschi, and Eddie Lopat” became the now-known Yankeed Big 4 as Ford joined this dream team. Among his other nicknames in the team is “chairman of the board,” as he was always in control of the situation and exhibited grace under pressure. He was also fondly called “Slick” because of his sophisticated moves in the baseball field.
Ford quickly became a favorite among the Yankees as he won round after round of baseball. From 1955 to 1963, he led the American Games and bested among other competitors. He was also considered an asset for the Yankees and faced the giants in the US baseball world, such as the Cleveland Indians and the Chicago White Sox. Indeed, Ford became a legend in the baseball industry.
Final Years
Ford’s last years in his baseball journey declined with his health. In 1966, he underwent surgery to correct his for a circulatory problem in his shoulder. With his health declining, he announced his retirement at the age of 38. During his peak, Ford won 236 games for the New York Yankees and was awarded the fourth-best winning percentage in baseball history at .690.
Ford’s notable honors and legacies include being elected for the National Baseball Hall of Fame, having dedicated plaques in at the Monument Park at the Yankee Stadium, and ranked number 52 as the Greatest Baseball Players of all time in the Sporting News.
Indeed, Ford’s death has shaken the baseball industry, but heaven has gotten a baseball legend in return.
