The Yankees recently announced the sad news that Whitey Ford passes away at 91. Moreover, he was a Hall of Fame Champion and the highest scorer amongst all the Pitchers to date. One of his family members spoke of his death on Thursday, October 8, at the Long Island residence. Besides, according to reports of the Associated Press, Whitey Ford had Alzheimer’s effects for quite a few years. Later, Ford’s long-time manager Aaron Boone tells the player’s family was by his side during his final hours. Moreover, they were all watching the Yankees Vs. Tampa Bay Rays in the ALDS fourth game.
Whitey Ford’s real name was Edward Charles, and he was born on October 21, 1928. He spent most of his growing years in Queens. His debut major league was in 1950 for the Yankees. Soon, he became a part of the Bronx Bombers, where he spent the rest of his career. In an article by Jim Murray, a Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist, supporting the Yankees was similar to rooting for the U.S. Steel or General Motors. There is only one person who is the chairman, just like a single Yankees champion, Ford.
A fitting tribute for Whitey 💙 pic.twitter.com/owmPWjM3tI
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) October 9, 2020
Whitey Ford passes away, leaving behind a golden mark in baseball history
According to the official statement of Hal Steinbrenner, owner of the Yankees, Whitey Ford certainly leaves a permanent mark. Moreover, the accomplishments beside his name will always remain as an asset in baseball history. He was nothing short of a treasure, and it was the team’s honor that a man of his stature wore the pinstripes. He was a proper name in the Hall of Fame, considering his skill and dedication. For all the two decades that he played for the Yankees, it was nothing but sheer pride.
As a sign of respect, the Yankees’ players wore a patch with a #16 on their jerseys’ left sleeve. It was for the October 9 match that they lost against the Rays. Out of the 16 significant seasons that Ford was a part of, he brought victory, winning 11 American Leagues and 6 International titles. The entire career record of Ford was 236-106, making them leading the journals. Whitey Ford passes away, leaving behind a record score of 0.690 out of all other pitchers and almost 300 decisions. Whitey Ford was the 1961 Winner of the Cy Award. He was also a 10-time All-Star.
The best seasons of Whitey Ford were of 1961 and 1963 that also brought him a position in the Hall of Fame. The death of legendary Yankee Whitey Ford is not the first of this stature in 2020. Some of the other legends who left the world this year were Al Kaline, Bob Gibson, Lou Brock, and Tom Seaver.