This Week in Yankee History
October 18th - October 24th
October 18th - October 24th
October 18th
1889 - Former Yankees INF Charles “Dutch” Sterrett (1912-1913) was born. Dutch appeared in 67 games for the Yankees hitting .253.
1903 - Former Yankees reserve INF George “Yats” Wuestling (1930) was born. Yats hit .190 in 25 games with the Yankees.
1914 - Former Yankees OF/INF Roy Cullenbine (1942) was born. He appeared in 21 games for the Yankees hitting .364.
1931 - Former Yankees 3B Andy Carey (1952-1960) was born. Before the 1950 AL season, Andy Carey was signed by the Yankees as an MLB amateur free agent. Andy appeared in 4 World Series with the Yankees, his best one was in 1957, when he hit .286. His best Yankees regular season was in 1954, when he hit .302. Andy would be the Yankees regular 3B from 1954-1958. He married Hollywood actress Lucy Marlow in 1955. Later part of his Yankee playing career, Andy was bothered by back troubles. During the 1959 AL season, the Yankees started using Hector Lopez and Clete Boyer at 3B over Andy Carey. On May 19, 1960, Andy was traded by the Yankees to the A’s for veteran OF Bob Cerv. Andy would end his MLB playing career with the Dodgers in 1962. His hobby was photography.After baseball; he went into the brokerage business in California.
1960 - Instituting a mandatory retirement age of 65, the Yankees co-owners Dan Topping and Del Webb relieved veteran Yankees Manager Casey Stengel. He posted a 1,149-696 record for the Yankees, including 10 AL pennants and 7 World Championships. Casey turns the tables on the Yankees owners at his retirement press conference, saying he was fired as their manager because of his age.
1960 - Former Yankees reserve INF Steve Kiefer (1989) was born. After leaving the Brewers organization as a free agent, Kiefer moved to the Yankees. He hit .276 for the Columbus Clippers (IL) in 1989. Steve was 1 for 8 with 5 strikeouts for the Yankees in 1989 to conclude his MLB career.
1966 - Former Yankees P Alan Mills (1990-1991) was born. On June 22, 1987, Alan was sent by the Angels to the Yankees to complete an earlier deal made on December 19, 1986. The Angels sent a player to be named later and Ron Romanick to the Yankees for C Butch Wynegar. The Angels send P Alan Mills on June 22, 1987 to the Yankees to complete the trade. Alan posted 2-6 mark in 42 games for the Yankees. On February 29,1992, Alan was traded to the Orioles for players to be named later. The Orioles would sent Francisco de la Rosa on March 5, 1992 and Mark Carper (minors) on June 8, 1992 to the Yankees to complete the trade.
1977 - Yankees RF Reggie Jackson became known as "Mr. October" when he hits 3 consecutive HRs in Game 6 of the 1977 World Series. Jackson led the Yankees to an 8-4 victory and the 1978 World Championship over the Dodgers. Jackson's 3-HRs shots came on the 1st pitch off of Dodger pitchers, Burt Hooton, Elias Sosa and Charlie Hough. He drove in 5 runs and earned 1977 World Series MVP honors.
1990 - Former Yankees 1B Nick Etten (1943-1946) passed away (1913-1990). On January 22, 1943, Nick was traded by the Phillies to the Yankees for Ed Levy, Al Gettel, and $10,000. Al Gettel and Ed Levy returned to original teams on March 26, 1943. The Yankees sent Tom Padden and Al Gerheauser on March 26, 1943 to the Phillies to complete the trade. Nick hit .271, .293 and .285 for the Yankees before fading in 1946, to a .232 mark. During the 1945 AL season, Nick was named to the AL All Star team. On April 14, 1947, Nick was re-purchased by the Phillies from the Yankees.
2004 - After 5 hours, 49 minutes and 471 pitches, the Red Sox outlasts the Yankees, winning the game by a score of 5-4, in Game 4 of the ALCS. Boston's DH David Ortiz, who is the 1st player history to hit 2 walk-off HRs in during the postseason, ends the longest game in ALCS series history at 1:22 a.m. with a 2-out single into center field scoring Johnny Damon from 2nd base in the 14th inning at Fenway Park.
2007 - Yankees Manager Joe Torre ends his 12-year manager’s job with the Yankees, when he turns down a new contract offer made by Yankees front office. He finishes 2nd on the Yankees All time Managers list with a 1,173-767 record with a WP .605 in 1,942 games (1996-2007). He won World Championships with the Yankees in 1996, 1998-2000. Joe is currently the manager of the Dodgers in the NL.
October 19th
1891 - Former Yankees 2B George Batten (1912) was born. George appeared in 1 game with the 1912 Yankees with 3 at bats and no-hits.
1943 - Former Yankees reserve INF Sandy Alomar Sr. (1974-1976) was born. On July 8, 1974, Sandy was purchased by the Yankees from the Angels. Sandy provided excellent infield help for the Yankees during his stay with the Yankees. On February 17, 1977, Sandy was traded by the Yankees to the Rangers for Infielders Greg Pryor, Brian Doyle, and cash. He is the father of MLB players Sandy Jr, and Roberto Alomar.
1946 - The Yankees acquired starter Allie Reynolds from the Indians for former AL MVP 2B Joe Gordon and 3B Eddie Bockman. Reynolds had struggled with the Indians, losing 15 of 16 decisions during the 1946 AL season. Reynolds will reverse his fortunes in 1947, winning 19 games for the World Series Champion Yankees. He would finish his Yankees pitching career with 131 wins. He will be apart of the Yankees starting rotation that won 5 straight World Series Championships from 1949 to 1953. A back injury from a team bus accident during the 1954 AL season forced Allie to retired from MLB. He would later become the Commissioner of the American Association (AAA).
1961 - Former Yankees minor league P Tim Belcher was born. Pitcher Tim Belcher was the 1st overall pick in the 1983 MLB amateur player draft by Twins, but he did not sign with the club. He instead joined the USA National Team, playing in Pan American Games. He was eligible for the draft again in January 1984 and was selected 1st overall by the Yankees, in what was considered a major coup. However, because of a Yankees front office mix-up, his name was left off the team's protected players' list for the free agent signing compensation draft. Tim was selected by A’s on February 8,1984. The Yankees Owner George Steinnbrenner was livid over this development and blamed the Yankees young GM Murray Cook for this mistake for it and fired him shortly afterwards. Tim would pitch 14 seasons in the MLB for 6 teams, posting a 146-140 record. Ironically, Tim never pitched a MLB inning for the A’s, they traded him to the Dodgers in 1987.
1965 - Former Yankees P Wade Taylor (1991) was born. On December 22, 1987, Wade was traded by the Mariners along with hurlers Lee Guetterman and Clay Parker to the Yankees for P Steve Trout and OF Henry Cotto. Wade was regarded as one of Yankees top prospects at that time and no one realized what was to be. In the next four seasons Wade would spend time with the Fort Lauderdale Yankees (FSL) going 4-11. Then he moved up to the Prince Williams Cannons (A) at 9-8, then on to the Albany-Colonie Yankees (AA) for a 6-4 and then to Columbus Clippers (AAA), again at 6-4. In 1991, he got his 1st and only try at the MLB, when the Yankees gave him a chance. Taylor would go 7-12, appearing in 23 outings, pitching 116 innings and came up with a 6.27 ERA. Also Wade spent time during that season with Clippers (AAA) again, going 4-1 with a 3.54 ERA. During the 1992 season, he would spend time with 3 different clubs, but appeared in only 5 games, pitching 13 innings and posting a 0-1 record. In 1993, he was back with Columbus, posting a 3-1 mark in 30 innings with a 4.45 ERA. He would later work in the Yankees scouting department, as an advance scout. Wade was fired by the Yankees front office after the 2006 AL playoff loss to the Tigers
1966 - The Yankees released 2 veteran players P Whitey Ford and OF Hector Lopez. The CBS controlled Yankees management starts cutting cost of the MLB player payroll. Next veteran Yankee stars to go would be 3B Clete Boyer and RF Roger Maris in trades during the winter.
1976 - The Reds took a commanding 3-0 lead over the Yankees in the 1976 World Series with a 6-2 victory at Yankee Stadium. Cincinnati's DH Dan Driessen had a single, double, HR and a walk to lead the attack. Jim Mason had a solo HR in the 7th inning for the only HR hit by the Yankees in the 1976 World Series.
1986 - Former Yankees P George Pipgras (1923-1933) passed away. (1889-1986) On January 3,1923, he was traded by the Red Sox along with Harvey Hendrick to the Yankees for Al DeVormer and cash. His best Yankees season was in 1928, when he went 28-13 in 46 games. He appeared in 3 World Series going 3-3. George finished his Yankee pitching career with 93 wins. On May 12, 1933, George was purchased by the Red Sox from the Yankees for $100,000. After retiring from MLB as an active player, George became an MLB umpire. In 1938, George joined AL umpire staff working until the late 1940’s. Also he was a scout for the Red Sox, before retiring from baseball.
1987 - Controversial Billy Martin is named manager of the Yankees for a 5th time, replacing Lou Piniella, who had replaced Billy Martin. Lou Piniella is moved up to the Yankees General Manager position. Piniella had led the Yankees to an 89-73 record in 1987, a 4th place finish in the AL East.
1992 - Former Yankees P Atley “Swampy” Donald (1938-1945) passed away (1910-1992). Atley went 66-33 in 153 games with Yankees. He had 54 complete games with 6 shut outs as a Yankees starter. He led the AL in WP with .813 in 1939, while posting a 13-3 record. Atley was 1-1 in 2 games in the 1941-1942 World Series for the Yankees.
2004 - Red Sox starter Curt Schilling, pitching on a dislocated ankle tendon held down by 3 sutures put in the day before, gave up 1 run over 7 innings as the Red Sox beat the Yankees 4-2 to save their 2004 AL season for the 3rd day in a row and force a winner-take-all Game 7 in their ALCS and a trip to the 2004 World Series.
October 20th
1903 - Former Yankees P Archie Campbell (1928) was born. Archie went 0-1 in 13 games for the 1928 Yankees.
1931 - Yankees HOF, MVP, MLB Coach, All Star OF/1B Mickey Charles Mantle (1951-1968) was born. Before the 1949 AL season, Mickey “The Commerce Comet” Mantle was signed by the Yankees super scout Tom Greenwade, as an MLB amateur free agent. Mickey Mantle was the greatest switch-hitter of all time. He hit 536 MLB career HRs, including 18 HRs in 230 at bats in 65 games in the World Series play. He won the AL Triple Crown in 1956 (BA .353, 52 HRs, 130 RBIs). Mantle was selected for 20 All Star games. He was the AL MVP 3 times (1956-1957 and 1962). Mantle played in 2,401 games as a Yankee despite being plagued by injuries. With all of Mantle's power, he suffered though an assortment of injuries and his bones were beset by osteomylitis, which weakened his bone structure. The 1st of his injuries occurred in the 1951 World Series against the Giants, when he got his spikes caught in a drainage valve in the Yankee Stadium outfield while chasing a fly ball hit by future long time CF rival Willie Mays. He was never really the same after that injury. In 1974, Mickey Mantle along with his long-time Yankees teammate Whitey Ford, were elected to Baseball’s Hall of Fame.
1940 - Former Yankees P Thad Tilltson (1967-1968) was born. On September 10, 1966, Thad was traded by the Dodgers with cash to the Yankees for veteran INF Richard “Ducky” Schofield. Thad went 4-9 in 50 games for the Yankees in 1967-1968.
1951 - Yankees All Star CF Joe DiMaggio accompanies Lefty O'Doul's All-Stars on a baseball tour of Japan. They will win 13 of the 15 games played in Japan.
1952 - Former Yankees OF/1B/DH Dave Collins (1982) was born. On December 23, 1981, Dave was signed as a MLB free agent with the Yankees. He hit .253 for the Yankees in
1982. On December 9, 1982, he was traded by the Yankees along with minor league 1B Fred McGriff, P Mike Morgan, and cash to the Blue Jays for reliever Dale Murray and OF Tom Dodd.
1954 - Former Yankees reserve INF/C Jamie Quirk (1989) was born. On December 20, 1988, Jamie was signed as a MLB free agent by the Yankees. He only appeared in 13 games for the team, hitting just .083. On May 16, 1989, Jamie was released by the Yankees.
1960 - Former Yankees player (1947-1954) and MLB Coach Ralph “The Major” Houk is named to succeed Casey Stengel as Manager of the Yankees. He briefly led the team during the 1960 AL season, going 7-6, while Casey Stengel was hospitalized. Ralph Houk had managed the Yankees top AAA team in Denver from 1955-1957, winning championships in the American Association. Ralph Houk will replace Stengel’s platoon infield system with a set INF of Boyer, Kubek, Richardson and Skowron. Also he will have veteran Whitey Ford on a 4-day pitching schedule. Houk replaces Eddie Lopat as Yankees pitching coach with former Yankees teammate Johnny Sain. Also former AL hitting star Wally Moses becomes the new Yankees batting coach/1B coach. With Ralph Houk bringing in former Tribe C Jim Hegan as Bullpen coach, Bill Dickey will become a special catching instructor for the Yankees farm system. Long time Yankees 3B Coach Frank Crosetti stays with the Yankees MLB coaching staff.
1960 - The Yankees named Roy Hamey, as former Yankees GM George Weiss successor. The change of the Yankees front office is now complete with a new GM (Haney) and Manager (Houk) for the 1961 AL season. Also Houk has changed the Yankees MLB coaching staff for 1961, by adding Johnny Sain and Wally Moses to his staff.
1964 - Three days after resigning as manager of the 1964 World Champion Cardinals, Johnny Keane replaces Yogi Berra as the new Yankees' field boss for 1965 AL season. It is one of the worst personnel moves made by Yankees GM Ralph Houk. In 1965, Johnny Keane will finish in 6thplace (77-85) in AL with an injury riddled Yankees team. He will start the 1966 AL season with 4-16 record, before being replaced by former manager Ralph Houk.
1978 - Just days after the Yankees World Series victory against the Dodgers, rumors circulate that the Yankees plan to trade reliever Sparky Lyle and others to the Rangers for OF Juan Beniquez and minor league P Dave Righetti. The Yankees Owner George Steinnbrenner denies the trade rumors of a possible trade of veteran closer Sparky Lyle and All Star Catcher Thurman Munson for Pirates All Star slugger Dave Parker. Also he said that Reggie Jackson and Thurman Munson will remain as Yankees for the 1979 AL season. Munson had express a desired to play for the Indians to finish out his MLB career, in order to be closer to his family, who lived in Canton, Ohio. Only Yankees reliever Sparky Lyle will be traded by the Yankees in a trade to the Rangers for minor league star P Dave Righetti.
1981 - In a World Series rematch of the 1978 teams, the Yankees take Game 1 over the Dodgers by the score of 5-3. Yankees Bob Watson hit a 3-run HR in the 1st inning as starter Ron Guidry goes 7 innings for the win. Yankees closer Goose Gossage closes down a Dodgers rally in the 8th inning.
1996 - The Braves continue to pound the ball, as they defeat the Yankees, by the score of 12-1, in the 1996 World Series opener. At age 19, the Braves rookie OF Andruw Jones puts himself in the MLB record books as the youngest player to hit a HR in a World Series game. He hit 1-HR in the 2nd inning off of Yankees starter Andy Pettitte and another HR in the 3rd inning. The Braves starter John Smoltz gains the win.
2004 - After losing the 1st 3 games of the ALCS, the Red Sox became the 1st team in MLB history to win a best-of-7 series by beating New York at Yankee Stadium, by a score of 10-3. Johnny Damon hits 2 HRs, including a Grand Slam HR in the 4th inning, backing up a solid pitching work of Red Sox starter Derek Lowe. The Red Sox joined the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs and the 1975 New York Islanders as the only teams in the history of professional sports to overcome a 3-0 series deficit to win a 7-game series.
October 21st
1885 - Former Yankees C Augustus “Gus” Fisher (1912) was born. On April 9, 1912, Gus was selected off waivers by the Yankees from the Naps (Indians). Gus appeared in only 4 games for the Yankees going 1 for 10.
1916 - Former Yankees P Floyd “Bill” Bevens (1944-1947) was born. Bill went 40-36 in 96 games for the Yankees. In the 1947 World Series, Bill lost his no-hitter game against the Dodgers in the 9th inning to lose by a score of 3-2.On January 17, 1949; he was purchased by the White Sox from the Yankees. On March 28, 1949, Bill was returned to the Yankees by the White Sox. On April 18, 1949, Bill was released by the Yankees.
1928 - Former Yankees HOF P Edward “Whitey” Ford (1950-1967) was born. Whitey Ford was signed by the Yankees as a MLB amateur free agent in 1947. Whitey Ford pitched for the Yankees for 16 seasons. Ford missed the 1951-1952 AL seasons, because of military service. He finished his Yankees career with a 236-106 record, WP .690 with a 2.74 ERA in 498 games with 45 shutouts, 1,956 strikeouts in 3,171 innings pitched. In 1961, Whitey Ford was the Cy Young award winner after going 25-4. Also that year, he won the Babe Ruth Award. Whitey was selected for AL All Star team 8 times. He won 20 games only twice in his MLB career, in 1961 going 25-4 and 24-7 in 1963. In 1961, he broke Babe Ruth’s 29 2/3 scoreless innings pitched World Series record with a total of 33 innings. In the World Series with the Yankees, Whitey posted a 10-8 record in 22 World Series games. He was elected in 1974 along with long-time Yankees teammate Mickey Mantle to Baseball’s Hall of Fame.
1934 - An All-Star team led by Yankees Slugger Babe Ruth and A’s Manager Connie Mack sails on tour to Hawaii and Japan. Major League Players with wives on the baseball tour include Lou Gehrig, Jimmie Foxx, Charlie Gehringer, Lefty Gómez, Earl Averill and Lefty O'Doul.
1946 - Yankees obtain P Art Cuccurullo from the Pirates for P Ernie “Tiny” Bonham. Art never appeared in a MLB game for the Yankees.
1959 - The MLB Players Association approves 2 All-Star Games in 1960, to be held at Kansas City’s Municipal Stadium and Yankee Stadium. The players would like to have them played within 4 days of each other.
1967 - Former Yankees reserve C John “Flash” Flaherty (2003-2005) was born. John was signed by the Yankees as a MLB free agent in 2003. He appeared in 134 games, hitting .226 for the Yankees. John works for the Yes Network.
1968 - After 2 seasons with the Red Sox, All-Star catcher former Yankee Elston Howard announces his retirement from MLB baseball. Howard was the 1st black player to play for the Yankees at MLB Level in 1955. Ellie would join the Yankees coaching staff in 1969, becoming their 1st Black MLB coach.
1976 - With a 7-2 victory, the Reds won the 1976 World Series completing a 4-game sweep of the Yankees. It was the Reds' 2nd straight World Championship. Johnny Bench hit 2 HRs for 5-RBIs. He finished with a .533 batting average and was named Series MVP. Yankees catcher Thurman Munson had 6 straight singles to tie a WS mark. Reds also became the 1st MLB team ever to go through an entire LCS and WS without a defeat.
1981 - At Yankee Stadium, Yankees shut out the Dodgers in the World Series. Yankee starter Tommy John and closer Goose Gossage gets the credit for the 4-hit, 3-0 victory, as the Bronx Bombers lead the Series 2-0.
1996 - Greg Maddux of the Braves holds the Yankees to 6 hits in 8 innings as Braves 1B Fred McGriff drives in 3 runs in a 4-0 win in Game 2 of the 1996 World Series.
1998 - The Yankees closed out their historic 1998 AL season with 3-0 win against the Padres, sweeping San Diego in 4 games to win their record 24th World Series Championship. Yankee starter Andy Pettitte gets the victory, while 3B Scott Brosius is named World Series MVP. The Game 4 victory gave the Yankees 125 wins against 50 losses for a .714 winning percentage, the best in the majors since their Murderers' Row club of 1927, as their AL record of 114 regular-season victories were the most ever for a MLB champion team.
2000 - The Yankees defeat the Mets by the score of 4-3 in 12 innings, in Game 1 of the 2000 World Series. The longest game in World Series history (4 hours, 51 minutes) is ended on Jose Vizcaino's single which drives home Tino Martinez. It is Vizcaino's 4th hit of the night. The Mets lead, 3-2, going into the 9th inning, but reliever Armando Benitez surrenders the tying run on a sacrifice fly by Chuck Knoblauch. The victory is the Yankees 13th in a row in Series play for a new record. Todd Pratt of the Mets ties a Series record by being hit by pitches 2 times.
2001 - The Yankees take a 3-1 lead in their ALCS match-up with the Mariners, defeating them by a score of 3-1. Mariner’s Bret Boone's 8th inning HR broke a scoreless tie, but Bernie Williams hits a HR in the bottom half of the 8th inning to tie the score. Yankees win on 2B Alfonso Soriano's 2-run HR in the 9th inning and Yankees closer Mariano Rivera gets the victory in relief.
2003 - At Pro Player Stadium in Miami, the Yankees defeat the Marlins by the score of 6-1 in Game 3 of the World Series. Aaron Boone and Bernie Williams hits HRs for the Yankees, as starter Mike Mussina is the winning pitcher with help of closer Mariano Rivera in relief. Marlins starter Josh Beckett is the loser. The Yankees, now lead the 2003 World Series 2-1.
October 22nd
1882 - Former Yankees OF/INF William “Birdie” Cree (1908-1915) was born. Birdie played 742 games for the Yankees with lifetime BA of .292. His Yankees best seasons were in 1911 and 1912, when he hit .348 and .332.
1887 - Former Yankees P Myles Thomas (1926-1929) was born. On December 16, 1925, Myles was traded by the Toronto Maple Leafs (IL) to the Yankees for cash and players. Myles went 14-12 in 71 games for the Yankees before being sold to the Senators during the 1929 AL season.
1942 - Former Yankees P Cecil Upshaw (1974) was born (1942-1995). On April 26, 1974, Cecil was traded by the Indians along with 1B Chris Chambliss and P Richard Tidrow to the Yankees for Pitchers Fritz Peterson, Steve Kline, Fred Beene, and Tom Buskey. Cecil was a disappointment for the Yankees only going 1-5 with 6 saves in 36 games. On December 5, 1974, he was traded by the Yankees to the White Sox for reserve INF Eddie Leon. Cecil passed away in 1995.
1943 - Former Yankees reserve OF Bobby Mitchell (1970) was born. On December 2, 1968, Bobby was drafted by the Yankees from the Red Sox in the 1968 MLB Rule 5 Player Draft. In 1970, Bobby hit .220 in 10 games for the Yankees. On October 23, 1969, Bobby was sent to the Braves by the Yankees as part of a conditional deal. On March 26, 1970, Bobby was returned by the Braves to the Yankees as part of a conditional deal. On June 7, 1971, Bobby was traded by the Yankees along with 1B Frank Tepedino to the Brewers for OF Danny Walton. Bobby managed to stay in one place with Brewers until 1975.
1974 - The Yankees and Giants traded their popular All Star outfielders, both drawing the ire of their loyal fans. The Giants send Bobby Bonds to Yankees for Bobby Murcer. Bonds will play 1 season for the Yankees before being traded to the Angels for OF Mickey Rivers and P Ed Figueroa, while Murcer will last only 2 years with the Giants before being dealt to the Cubs. He will return to the Yankees during the 1979 AL season.
1982 - Current Yankees All Star 2B Robinson “Robbie” Cano was born. In 2001, Robbie was signed by the Yankees as an MLB amateur free agent. He is the son of former MLB P Jose Cano, who originally was signed by the Yankees, later played in MLB with the Astros. Robbie has appeared in 734 games with the Yankees (2005-2009) hitting .306 with 87 HRs with 394 RBI’s. His best Yankees season was in 2006, when he hit .342 in 122 games with 15 HRs with 78 RBI’s. That season, he won the AL Silver Slugger award for 2B. He was named to the 2006 AL All Star team.
1996 - In the 1996 World Series, Yankees starter David Cone holds the Braves, while CF Bernie Williams drives in 3 runs in a 5-2 win in Game 3 at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium.
2000 - In Game 2, the Yankees extend their World Series winning streak to 14 consecutive games defeating the Mets, by the score of 6-5 in a contest, which is overshadowed by P Roger Clemens throwing the barrel of a shattered bat to Mike Piazza as the Mets catcher runs to 1st base. The eagerly awaited at bat, due to the Clemens' beaning of Piazza in July, results in the 2 players confronting one another and the emptying of both team benches.
2002 - Lou Gehrig's consecutive games streak being broken by Cal Ripken, Jr. in 1995 is voted as baseball's most memorable moment by the fans participating MLB and MasterCard promotion. Hank Aaron breaking Babe Ruth's all-time HR record, Jackie Robinson becoming the 1st black to play in MLB, Mark McGwire breaking Yankees Roger Maris' single-season HR record and Yankees 1B Lou Gehrig's farewell speech were also in the top 5 events selected by the fans
2003 - The Marlins won in dramatic fashion by the score of 4-3 over the Yankees in Game 4 of the World Series behind a lead-off HR by Alex Gonzalez in the bottom of the 12th inning. Miguel Cabrera also HR for Marlins as Braden Looper had the win in relief.
October 23rd
1907 - Former Yankees P Lee “Lefty” Grissom (1940) was born. On January 4, 1940, Lee was traded by the Reds to the Yankees for P Joe Beggs. Lee went 0-0 in 5 games with the Yankees. On May 15, 1940, Lee was selected off waivers by the Dodgers from the Yankees.
1922 - Former Yankees P Ewell “The Whip” Blackwell (1952-1953) was born. On August 26, 1952, Yankees purchased veteran hurler Ewell “The Whip” Blackwell from the Reds for $35,000 and 4 players: pitchers Johnny Schmitz and Ernie Nevel and Outfielder’s Bob Marquis and Jim Greengrass. Blackwell will go 3-0 with 2 saves in September and the 1953 AL season. On March 30, 1955, he was purchased by the A’s from the Yankees for $50,000.
1923 - Yankees OF Babe Ruth makes a postseason appearance in a NY Giants uniform as the Giants defeat the minor league Baltimore Orioles by the score of 9-0. Ruth hits a HR over the RF roof at the Polo Grounds. The game is a benefit for destitute former Giants owner John Day.
1965 - Former Yankees P Al Leiter (1987-1989,2005) was born. Al was drafted by the Yankees in the 2nd round of the 1984 MLB amateur player draft. Al appeared in 22 games with the Yankees going 7-8, before being traded to the Blue Jays for OF Jesse Barfield in April of 1989. Al returned to the Yankees in 2005 from the Marlins, going 4-5 in 16 games. During spring training in 2006, Al announced his retirement from MLB baseball. Al works for the Yes Network covering the Yankees. Also Al’s older brother Mark pitched for the 1990 Yankees.
1979 - Former Yankees Manager Billy Martin is involved in a barroom altercation with Joseph Cooper, a Minnesota marshmallow salesman. Cooper requires 15 stitches to close a gash in his lip.
1981 - The Dodgers beat the Yankees by the score of 5-4 in Game 3 of the 1981 World Series, narrowing the Yankees' lead to 2-1.
1996 - At Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, the Braves jump to a 6-0 lead, but the Yankees mount their biggest comeback in World Series history with a 3-run HR by Jim Leyritz that ties the game in the 8th inning. After Bernie Williams is intentionally walked with runners on 1st base and 2nd in the 10th inning, Braves hurler Steve Avery walks Yankees 3B Wade Boggs to bring in the deciding run.
1996 - Former Yankees P Bob Grim (1954-1958) passed away (1930-1996). Bob was signed by the Yankees as an MLB amateur free agent in 1948. In 1954, after spending 2 years in the Army, Bob comes to the Yankees spring training camp as a non-roster player and makes the team. Bob went 20-6 in 37 games with a ERA of 3.26 and 8 complete games to win the 1954 AL ROY Award. During the off-season, he injured his arm working at his winter job. Bob was converted into a relief pitcher by the Yankees. His best Yankees reliever season was in 1957, when he went 12-8 with 19 saves in 46 games. He was named to AL All Star team. On June 15,1958, Bob was traded by the Yankees along with OF Harry Simpson to the A’s for pitchers Duke Maas and Virgil Trucks.
October 24th
1887 - Former Yankees OF Hugh “Lefty” High (1915-1918) was born. On February 4, 1915, Hugh was purchased by the Yankees from the Tigers. His best Yankees season was in 1916, when hit .263 for the Yankees.
1904 - Former Yankees P William “Harry” Smythe (1934) was born. Harry went 0-2 in 8 games with Yankees before being picked up by the Dodgers on waivers.
1927 - Former Yankees minor league OF Jim Greengrass was born. Jim Greengrass was signed as an amateur MLB free agent by Yankees before the 1944 AL season, as a 16 yr old outfielder. He spent 2 seasons (1944-1945) in the low minors before going into the military for 2 years (1946-1947). After his military duty was over, Jim worked his way up in the Yankees organization to the Newark Bears (AAA) in 1949, but then was sent back to the lower minors to work on becoming a pitcher. But after losing 5 games, Jim was switched back to the outfield. In 1951, Jim would have his best professional season yet, for the Muskegon Reds (Central), hitting a league leading .379 BA with 18 HRs. In 1952, for the Beaumont Roughnecks (Texas), he would hit .276 with 22 HRs. On August 28, 1952, he was traded by Yankees along with pitchers Johnny Schmitz and Ernie Nevel and OF Bob Marquis and $35,000 to Reds for veteran hurler Ewell “The Whip” Blackwell. Jim would play for the Reds and then the Phillies until 1956.
1930 - Yankees released reserve C Bubbles Hargrave (1930). Bubbles hit .248 in 45 games as a reserve catcher for the Yankees.
1939 - The Yankees CF Joe DiMaggio is named the 1939 AL MVP, with 1B Jimmie Foxx of the Red Sox as the runner-up. Joe hit .381 in 120 games with 176 hits, 30 HRs with 126 RBIs for the Yankees. The Yankee Clipper was the top hitter in the AL with his .381 BA.
1946 - Former Yankees INF Frank “No Home Run” Baker (1970-1971) was born. Frank was drafted by the Yankees in the 2nd round of the 1967 MLB amateur player draft. He appeared in 78 games for the Yankees hitting .185, earning the nickname of “No Home Run Baker.” On April 5, 1973, Frank was traded by the Yankees to the Orioles for INF Tom Matchick.
1950 - Former Yankees P Rawley Eastwick (1978) was born.Signed as MLB free agent, Rawley went 2-1 in 8 games for Yankees. With Sparky Lyle and Rich Goosage already in the Yankees bullpen there was no room for Rawley. Yankees Manager Billy Martin and Rawley did not get along. On June 14, 1978, Rawley was traded by the Yankees to the Phillies for Outfielders Jay Johnstone and Bobby Brown. Johnstone would help out the Yankees bench by hitting .258 for the Yankees during the 1978 AL season.
1952 - Former Yankees OF Omar Moreno (1983-1985) was born. On August 10, 1983, Omar was traded by the Astros to the Yankees for OF Jerry Mumphrey. His best Yankees season was in 1984, when he hit .259. On August 16, 1985, Omar was released by the Yankees appearing in 34 games hitting just .197. He would finish the 1985 AL season with the Royals.
1972 - The Yankee obtained INF Fred ”Chicken” Stanley (1973-1980) from the Padres for minor league P George Pena. Fred would prove to be a very valuable infield reserve during his stay with the Yankees. He appeared in 521 games, hitting .222, as a reserve INF. On November 3, 1980, Fred was traded by the Yankees to the A’s for P Mike Morgan. Stanley, whose nickname was "Chicken," primarily played as a backup shortstop was a key backup player Bucky Dent on the Yankees teams in the late 1970s. Stanley was a favorite player Phil Rizzuto who did the color analysis for the Yankees during this timeframe. Since 1960, no other non-pitcher has had as many seasons (9) with at least 30 at-bats and 5 or fewer extra base hits. His final MLB career BA was .216. On October 12, 2007, he was appointed as the Giants' Director of Player Development. Prior to that, he held several positions in the Giants' organization, including spending 2000-2004 as a minor league manager. In 2001, he managed the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes to the league championship of the Northwest League.
1981 - The Dodgers come back to beat the Yankees by the score 8-7 in a sloppy 3-hour marathon and tied the 1981 World Series at 2-2. The Yankees blew a 6-3 lead. On one play, Yankees RF Reggie Jackson lost the ball in the sun and it bounced off his shoulder for a 2-base error.
1996 - The Yankees lay claim to the last game played at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. The Yankees, who finish the postseason with an 8-0 road record, are helped by poor Braves outfield defense and some great plays from their own outfielders as Yankees starting pitcher Andy Pettitte out-duels the Braves starter John Smoltz by the score of 1-0, in Game 5 of the 1996 World Series.
2000 - Yankees starter Orlando Hernandez, with an 8-0 record with a 1.90 ERA in his postseason career, losses his 1st postseason game as the Mets defeat the Yankees by the score of 4-2, on a tie breaking 8th inning double by Benny Agbayani. New York native John Franco gets the win, ending the Yankees' record 14-game World Series winning streak.
2000 - Yankees starter Roger Clemens is fined a reported $50,000 for throwing the jagged barrel of a shattered bat in the direction of Mets C Mike Piazza in Game 2 of the 2000 World Series.
(As always I'd like to thank Fw57Clipper51 for his great contribution.)
