Tonight will kick off our first 16 matchups of Yankees Madness. First, a quick breakdown of the matchups, or if you'd rather just go vote you can click here.
(1) Babe Ruth vs. (16) Joe Girardi - We all know Ruth's credentials, and his pitching numbers alone may validate this matchup. To Girardi's credit, in addition to his playing accolades, he won a World Series in his second year at the helm.
(2) Yogi Berra vs. (15) Lou Piniella - Berra is famous for his rings and unrelenting slew of quotes. Similarly to our 1/16 matchup, the heavy underdog may be better known for his post playing days.
(3) Bill Dickey vs. (14) Don Larsen - Arguably the 2nd best catcher in Yankees' history, some may even say overlooked. Although a low seed, Larsen is a dark horse here for his World Series perfect game and the ensuing lasting image in Bombers' fans' minds.
(4) Ron Guidry vs. (13) Vic Raschi - Although not the longest of careers, Guidry's success as a Yankee was so profound he is mentioned in the same breath as the greats. Raschi may be another victim of the obscurity of his time.
(5) Bernie Williams vs (12) Tommy John - Bernie has always been a fan favorite and the #3 hitter for a few World Series winning teams. Tommy John's name will live forever, if more so for medical reasons than athletic ones.
(6) Graig Nettles vs. (11) Tommy Henrich - Nettles is one of the best Yankees to ever man the hot corner. Henrich had a more than admirable career winning 7 World Series with a hiatus in the middle to serve his country.
(7) Paul O'Neill vs. (10) Alex Rodriguez - 10 years from now this seeding will more than likely be way different, but Pauly was one of the most beloved Yankees by the fans and hated by all others for his incredible intensity. Rodriguez has the potential to be encased forever in Monument Park.
(8) Dave Winfield vs. (9) Billy Martin - Winfield is a Yankee who excelled in his playing years and is still a staple around the Stadium. Martin had about as much of an up and down career as you can imagine, whose personality may have dropped him a few seeds.
(1) Joe DiMaggio vs. (16) Bucky Dent - Not much to argue here, but props must be given to Bucky whose name lives forever in Boston hatred lore.
(2) Derek Jeter vs. (15) Mickey Rivers - Derek has the potential to possibly be a 1 seed when it's all said and done, and legends of the past admit they admire him. Rivers is said by some to be the fastest Yankee of all time.
(3) Don Mattingly vs. (14) Charlie Keller - Donnie Baseball may be the most beloved Yankee who never won a championship with the team. Charlie made 5 all star teams in an extremely competitive era.
(4) Tony Lazzeri vs. (13) Catfish Hunter - Lazzeri is another player much like Dickey whose playing days are tough to be matched, but is not often mentioned with the greats. Catfish Hunter has one of those names that may elicit some votes in his favor.
(5) Thurman Munson vs. (12) Roy White - One of the all time tragic baseball stories whose life and career still bring fans and old timers to tears when they talk about him. White was a great switch hitting outfielder who won 2 World Series.
(6) Jorge Posada vs. (11) Herb Pennock - Jorge is the consummate leader and competitor who was born to play the backstop position. Pennock is one of the few players who won World Series with the Red Sox and Yankees.
(7) Goose Gossage vs. (10) Dave Righetti - Gossage would be a 1 seed if this was a greatest mustache tournament. Righetti was once almost traded for Rod Carew in the '70's.
(8) Mel Stottlemyre vs. (9) Andy Pettitte - A matchup of 2 savvy hurlers. Mel took his playing days into the bench and helped the Yankees to World Series success. Pettitte was a beneficiary of Mel's sage coaching skills.
Click here to vote.
