MLB Video: Inside the 1923 World Series Champion Yankees

MLB.com has a new feature where they take you inside each and every Yankees World Series Championship. Here's 1923:

Olney: 1998 Yankees Are The Best Ever

You can check out the article here.

9 Years Ago Today, This Happened

This Week In Yankees History (6/24-6/30)

This Week in Yankees History 

June 24th - June 30th

June 24th

1907 - Former Yankees C Rollie Hemsley (1942-1944) was born (1907-1942). On July 19, 1942, veteran MLB Catcher Rollie Hemsley was signed as a MLB free agent with the New York Yankees. He appeared in 174 games for the Yankees, hitting .262. In 1944, he was named to the AL All Star team. In 1944, he went into the military service. On March 25, 1946, he was purchased by the Philadelphia Phillies from the New York Yankees.

1908 - Charging the New York Highlander owners with refusing to spend money to build a winning team, Manager Clark Griffith resigns; Shortstop Kid Elberfeld replaces him following today's 6-6 tie game with the Philadelphia A's. The Highlanders fade fast and finished last in the American League with a club record of 103 losses.

1930 - The New York Yankees sweep their 2nd consecutive doubleheader from the Philadelphia A’s by scores of 10-6 and 11-1, as Yankees slugger Babe Ruth hits 2 more HRs and sets an MLB record with 8 HRs in 6 games.

1933 - New York Yankees signed veteran hurler George Uhle (1933-1934) after his release by the Giants. George would go 8-5 in 22 games with Yankees.

1934 - After being hitless in his last 21 at bats, New York slugger Babe Ruth hits a grand slam HR in a 5-0 Yankee win over the Chicago White Sox.

1936 - New York Rookie CF Joe DiMaggio ties 3 MLB records in the Yankees 10-run, 5th inning against the Chicago White Sox, hitting 2 HRs for 8 total bases. With 2 doubles, he equals the modern MLB record of 4 long hits in a game.

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This Week In Yankees History (6/17-6/23)

This Week in Yankees History

June 17th - June 23rd

June 17th

1903 - Former Yankees P Benjamin “Big Ben” Shields (1924-1925) was born (1903-1982). Ben Shields went 3-0 in 6 games for the Yankees.

1917 - The Giants and Yankees played the 1st Sunday game in New York City for a war charity in front of 21,000 spectators at the Polo Grounds.

1918 - The New York Yankees play an 8-inning 5-5 tie with the Detroit Tigers, called because the team had to catch a train to Cleveland.

1936 - Red Ruffing of the New York Yankees set an AL record for pitchers by recording up to 10 total bases. Ruffing hit 2 HRs as part of a 4-hit day (2-singles), helping the Yankees to a 15-4 crushing of the Cleveland Indians.

1941 - Joe DiMaggio of the New York Yankees was credited with a hit in his 30th consecutive game when an easy grounder to shortstop bounced up and hit Luke Appling on the shoulder. The Chicago White Sox beat the Yankees by the score of 8-7.

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This Week in Yankees History (6/3-6/9)

This Week in Yankees History

June 3rd - June 9th

June 3rd

1929 - The New York Yankees released veteran 1B George “Tioga” Burns (1928-1929). George Burns played briefly with the New York Yankees in 1928, before finishing his long MLB career with the Philadelphia A’s in 1929. In 1915 with the Detroit Tigers, he beat out fellow rookie Wally Pipp for the Tigers 1st base job, Pipp was sent to the Yankees in a trade.

1932 - New York Yankees 1B Lou Gehrig hit 4 consecutive HRs in a game, he narrowly missed a 5th HR, stopped by a great catch by an A’s outfielder. His Yankees teammate Tony Lazzeri hits for the cycle as the Yankees beat the Philadelphia A’s by a score of 20-13. The Yankees set a MLB record for total bases with 50; both teams set a still-standing record for extra bases with 41.

1933 - After giving up 11 runs to the Philadelphia A’s in the 2nd inning, the New York Yankees rebound in the 5th inning with 10 runs, as they out slug the A’s by the score of 17-11. In the 8th inning, Babe Ruth will cap off the Yankees comeback with a 3-run HR.

1941 - At Cleveland Stadium, Yankees starter Red Ruffing shuts out the Indians 2-0. Ruffing allows 8 Tribe hits in the complete game victory. He is now 5-3 for the 1941 AL season. Al Milnar takes the loss for Cleveland. Buddy Rosar and Frank Crosetti lead the Yankees hitting attack, driving in 1 run apiece.

1950 - The New York Yankees sweep the Chicago White Sox by scores of 3-1 and 6-3 in a doubleheader at Yankee Stadium. In the 1st game, Yankees starter Tommy Byrne picks up his 6th victory of the 1950 AL season, holding the White Sox to 1 run with 9 hits, 3 walks and 5 strikeouts.

Phil Rizzuto and Hank Bauer each going 3 for 4 at the plate, lead the Bronx Bombers hitting attack. The Scooter drives in 2 Yankee runs, while Hank Bauer gets 1 RBI. In the 2nd game, Fred Sanford picks up his 3rd victory for the Yankees with relief help from Yankees Closer Joe Page, who picks up his 9 save of the season. Bill Wight takes the lost for the White Sox. Joe DiMaggio goes 2 for 3 with 4 RBIs including a HR in the game

1968 - The New York Yankees turn their 21st triple play in their team’s history, but lose to the Minnesota Twins by the score of 4-3. With the bases loaded and the go-ahead run already across the plate, Yankees P Dooley Womack catches a lined shot by Twins C Johnny Roseboro, who threw to Bobby Cox at 3B and then watched in awe as when Cox’s throw to 1B Mickey Mantle was in time to complete the triple-play.

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This Week in Yankees History (5/20-5/26)

This Week in Yankees History 

May 20th - May 26th

May 20th

1890 - Former Yankees P Jesse ‘”Jim” Buckles (1916) was born (1890-1975). Jim Buckles appeared in 2 games with no record for the 1916 Yankees.


1893 - Former Yankees P Walter Bernhardt (1918) was born (1893-1958). Walt Bernhardt appeared in 1 game with no record for the 1918 Yankees.


1897 - Former Yankees Closer Wilcy “Cy” Moore (1927-1929,1932-1933) was born (1897-1963). Wilcy “Cy” Moore was the relief ace of the 1927 New York Yankees, posting a 19-7 record with 13 saves. His Yankees pitching career totals were 36-20 in 142 games with 27 saves. Wilcy Moore is considered to be the 1st of the great Yankee closers in the team’s history.


1904 - Former Yankees P Peter Appleton (also known as Peter Jablonski) (1933) was born. Peter Appleton appeared in 1 game with 1933 Yankees posting no record. The Yankees sent him back to the Newark Bears (International League) in 1934. Pete originally came up with Cincinnati Reds. Also he played for the Cleveland Indians, Chicago White Sox, Washington Senators, St. Louis Browns and the Boston Red Sox in his 14 MLB season career finishing with a 57-67 record.


1913 - The New York Yankees obtained shortstop Roger Peckinpaugh from the Cleveland Indians for INF Bill Stumpf and OF Jack Lelivelt. Roger would help stabilized the 1913 Yankees infield. He would be with the Yankees for 8 seasons, appearing in 1,219 games, hitting .257 for the team.


1923 - Babe Ruth’s 15th inning 2-run HR gives New York Yankees starter Herb Pennock, a 3-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox. Herb Pennock goes the distance for the Yankees allowing only 4 White Sox hits in 15 innings.

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This Week in Yankees History (4/22-4-28)

This Week in Yankees History

April 22nd - April 28th

April 22nd

1881 - Former Yankees INF Neal Ball (1907-1908) was born (1881-1957). Neal Ball hit .241 in 155 games for the Yankees, before he was sold to Cleveland.

1903 - At American League Park, the New York Highlanders lost their 1st game to the Washington Senators by the score of 3-1, before 11,950 fans. Washington elects to bat 1st, but the New Yorkers score in the bottom of the opening inning to take a 1-0 lead. Each starter gives up 6 hits with Jack Chesbro, the NL top winner last year with the Pittsburgh Pirates (28-6) taking the loss for the Yankees. Al Orth, in his 2nd season with the Washington Senators is the winner.

1904 - After surrendering a leadoff single to Senators batter Kip Selbach, New York Yankees starter Jack Chesbro pitches no-hit ball the rest of the game, beating the Washington Senators by the score of 2-0.

1915 - Pinstripes first appeared on the New York Yankees player uniforms.

1918 - Former Yankees Minor League manager (1971) and MLB Coach (1982), MLB manager (1961-1963), MLB Player (1939-1960) Mickey Veron was born (1918-2008). Mickey Veron was a 1st Baseman from 1939 to 1960, mostly with the Washington Senators during his long MLB career. Mickey was an AL All Star team member for 7 seasons. He won 2 AL Batting crowns. Mickey was a New York Yankees minor league manager in 1971 with the Manchester Yankees. In 1982, he was a Yankees MLB coach. Also he was the 1st manager for the expansion 1961 Washington Senators, he managed the club until 1963. He was a MLB coach for the Pirates, Expos and the Cardinals. Later he managed and coached in the minor leagues for several MLB organizations, before retiring from the game.

1920 - Outfielder Babe Ruth plays his 1st game as a New York Yankee. Babe goes hitless and his outfield error proved to be the game losing miscue in a 6-5 loss to the Philadelphia A’s.

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Yanks To Wear Throwback Uniform For Opener on Friday

If you did not know--I was out all day yesterday and did not know either--the Yankees and Red Sox will be wearing 1912 throwback uniforms on Friday to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Fenway Park.

The Red Sox have worn these throwbacks before (below), but this will be a first for the Yankees. It'll be odd seeing the Yanks in something other than the usual road greys, but being that it was the Yankees Highlanders who were the visitors when Fenway opened in 1912, it'll be cool to see it all play out the way it was 100 years ago, same teams, same ballpark, same uniforms. Hopefully, the Yankees will win this one.

 

The Pinstripes Turn 100 Today

From Bobbie Dittmeier:

In a wooden ballpark located on The Hilltop in upper Manhattan, northwest of the Polo Grounds and close to the shores of the Hudson River, the New York Highlanders were ready to open their 1912 season. Their opponents on this day, April 11, were the Boston Red Sox. They were not rivals.

The Highlanders, commonly called the Yankees but a year away from formally taking on the name, had altered their uniforms nearly every year since their arrival from Baltimore in 1903. This season, they had another new look, sported by 23-year-old Ray Caldwell as he delivered the first pitch of the season.

They had added pinstripes.

Theirs were not the first baseball pinstripes. That honor belongs to the Chicago Cubs, who introduced them on their road uniform in 1907. But these pinstripes, as it turned out, would be different.

They were Yankees pinstripes. Born on April 11, 1912. One hundred years ago.

The pinstripes were actually originally black, not the current midnight blue. And in 1913 the Yankees briefly got rid of the pinstripes until they rturned for good in 1915. Dittmeier also talks about some Pinstripe myths in the article, so make sure to check the rest out here.

MLB.com also has a video with an interview with Jeff Nelson about The Pinstripes.

This Week in Yankees History (3/4-3/10)

This Week in Yankees History 

March 4th - March 10th

March 4th

1891 - Former Yankees and HOF P Arthur “ Dazzy” Vance (1915,1918) was born (1891-1961). Arthur “Dazzy” Vance was acquired by the New York Yankees from the Pittsburgh Pirates during the 1915 MLB season. He didn’t pitch for the Yankees in 1916 or 1917 AL seasons due to arm injuries. He went 0-3 in 10 games with the Yankees. He would recover, after being picked up by the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1922. He was named the National League Most Valuable Player in 1924. He pitched a no-hitter in 1925, led the National League in wins twice, in ERA 3 times. He is the only pitcher to top the NL in strikeouts 7 consecutive seasons. Dazzy Vance will be elected to the Hall of Fame by the BWAA in 1955 with 205 votes on 251 ballots. He posted a 197-140 record during a 16-year MLB career. He pitched for the Pirates, Yankees, Dodgers (twice), Cardinals and Reds before retiring, after the 1935 NL season. He appeared in 1 game of the 1934 World Series with the Cardinals with no record.

1897 - Former Yankees P/OF Lefty O’Doul (1919-1920, 1922) was born (1897-1969). Lefty O’Doul went 1-1 as pitcher for the New York Yankees before being sent the Boston Red Sox in a trade. In National League, he would become an outfielder, finishing his MLB career with a lifetime BA of .346. Later, he would become a successful minor league manager in the Pacific Coast League, most notably with the San Francisco Seals.

1897 - Former Yankees P Neal Brady (1915,1918) was born (1897-1947). Neal Brady went 1-0 in 4 games for the Yankees. He would play in the minors for several years, reappearing in the majors with the 1925 Cincinnati Reds for 20 games, posting a 1-3 record..

1913 - The Yankees become the 1st MLB team to conduct spring training outside of the United States, when they begin the spring training in Bermuda, where is projected a series of exhibition games.

1918 - Former Yankees P Mel Queen Sr. (1942, 1944,1946-1947) was born (1918-1982). In 1938, the New York Yankees signed Mel Queen, as an MLB amateur free agent. Mel went 8-4 in 33 games for the Yankees, before being sold to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1947. His son, Mel Queen Jr. played for the Cincinnati Reds during the 1960’s.

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This Week in Yankees History (2/26-3/3)

This Week in New York Yankees History 

February 26th - March 3rd

February 26th

1896 - Former Yankees P Harry “Rip” Collins (1920-1921) was born (1896-1968). On August 20, 1919, Harry “Rip” Collins was purchased by the New York Yankees from Dallas (Texas League). “Rip” Collins went 25-13 in 64 games for the New York Yankees before being traded to Boston Red Sox. On December 20,1921, Harry was traded by the New York Yankees along with INF Roger Peckinpaugh, P Jack Quinn, P Bill Piercy and $100,000 to the Boston Red Sox for Pitchers Bullet Joe Bush, Sad Sam Jones and INF Everett Scott. Rip would also pitch for the Detroit Tigers and St. Louis Browns.

1933 - Former Yankees reserve 1B/OF/C Johnny Blanchard (1955,1959-1965) was born (1933-2009). Johnny Blanchard was a 3 sport All-City whiz at Central High School in Minneapolis, MN; he not only attracted the attention of MLB scouts as a 3rd baseman but also the Minneapolis Lakers of the NBA who made him an offer. In 1951, Blanchard was signed by New York Yankees scout Joe McDermott for $20,000 as an outfielder. While in the Yankees minor league system, he made the transition to catcher. "I had to work my fanny off," said Blanchard. "I was not talented like Yogi or Elston. I think I got all the mileage I could out of my ability." Blanchard served in the U.S. Military Service during the Korean Conflict in 1953-1954, but when he was released from active duty.

He was back in spring training camp in 1955. After leading the Eastern League with 34 HRs in 1955 playing for the Binghamton Triplets, he received a late season call-up to the Yankees. He returned for good in 1959, he stayed in the Bronx until he was sent to the Kansas City Athletics during the 1965 AL season. The lefty-swinging Yankee loved Fenway Park. Of his 1st 6 hits at Fenway Park, 5 were HRs. On July 21, 1961, the Yankees trailed the Boston Red Sox 9-8 going into the top of the 9th inning when Blanchard, pinch-hitting for Clete Boyer, hit a grand slam HR off Boston right-hander Mike Fornieles giving the Bombers a 12-9 victory. The following day, the Yankees were again down 9-8, when Blanchard, pinch-hitting again for Boyer, homered off Gene Conley to tie the score as the Yankees went on to win. A couple of days later against the Chicago White Sox, he homered in consecutive at-bats against veteran Ray Herbert. His 4 HRs on 4 straight at-bats tied a MLB record. Blanchard hit 4 pinch-hit HRs during the regular season in 1961, plus 1 more during the 1961 World Series against the Cincinnati Reds. During the Yankees' storied 1961 AL season; he stroked 21 HRs in only 243 at-bats and hitting .305. Among the 1961 Yankees, only Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris had more HRs per at bat. He continued his clutch hitting in the 1961 World Series against the Cincinnati Reds with a 2-run pinch HR in game #3; another 2-run HR shot in the 5th and final game of the 1961 World Series, a game that he started.

As a result, Blanchard is arguably one of the best-known 3rd-string catchers in MLB history. Overall, he appeared in the Fall Classic 5 consecutive seasons, from 1960-1964, he batted .345, slugged at .690 with 2 HRs. Following an exhibition game against the New York Mets, he was called into manager Johnny Keane's office and was given the news he had been traded to Kansas City. On May 3,1965, John was traded by the Yankees along with P Rolland Sheldon to the A’s for C Doc Edwards. Johnny took the trade news very hard. He cried uncontrollably in the Yankees clubhouse. His long time Yankee teammate Mickey Mantle sat down next to Blanchard and attempted to cheer him up. "Don't take it so hard, John. Just think, in Kansas City you're going to get a chance to play." "Hell, I can't play Mick, that’s why I'm crying." After appearing in 52 games with the Kansas City A's, he was purchased by the Milwaukee Braves. He played the last 10 games of his MLB career with the Braves at the end of the 1965 NL season. In 1968, he tried to make a comeback with the Atlanta Braves in spring training, but he didn’t make the team. Overall he hit .239 with 67 HRs and 200 RBIs. Blanchard's heavy drinking made it difficult to cope with the real world after his MLB baseball career was over. Aware that he had a problem, Johnny checked himself into the Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis for 34 days for alcohol treatment. He was then dry for over 25 years. On March 25, 2009, Johnny Blanchard passed away from a fatal heart attack.

1935 - The New York Yankees released longtime OF/P Babe Ruth (1920-1934), freeing him to sign a $20,000 contract with the Boston Braves of the National League. In 1934, Babe Ruth had endured one of his worst seasons with the New York Yankees-at least by his lofty standards-with a .288 BA with only 22 HRs and 84 RBIs.

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This Week in Yankees History (1/22-1/28)

This Week in Yankees History 

January 22nd - January 28th

January 22nd

1881 - Former Yankees C/1B Ira Thomas (1906-1907) was born (1881-1958).On August 20, 1905; Ira Thomas was purchased by the New York Highlanders from Providence (Eastern League). Thomas appeared in 124 games with Yankees, hitting just .195. On December 12,1907, he was purchased by the Detroit Tigers from the New York Highlanders. Later he would have with the Philadelphia A’s.


1913 - The New York Giants give the New York Yankees permission to use the Polo Grounds for the 1913 American League season only, as their lease on the Hilltop Park has expired. The Yankees will remain as tenants at the Polo Grounds through 1922 American League season, then moving to the new Yankee Stadium in the Bronx in April of 1923.


1918 - The New York Yankees traded C Les Nunamaker, 3B Fritz Maisel, INF Joe Gedeon, Pitchers Nick Cullop and Urban Shocker to the St. Louis Browns in exchange for P Eddie Plank and 2B Del Pratt. Eddie Plank, a 300-game winner, retires from MLB, but Dell Pratt gives the Yankees three good years of services at second base. Urban Shocker is the gem, posting four straight seasons of 20 or more wins with the Browns. Fritz Maisel, who the Yankees refused to trade in early 1916 for either Red Sox OF Tris Speaker (and cash) or White Sox OF Shoeless Joe Jackson, will hit just .232 in 90 games and be released by the team.


1927 - The New York Yankees released veteran reserve C Hank Severeid. He had retired from MLB. Hank hit .268 in 41 games for the 1927 Yankees, after being obtained from the Washington Senators.


1929 - The New York Yankees announced that they would be putting numbers on the backs of their team uniforms, becoming the 1st baseball team to start continuous use of the numbers. The first numbers are based on positions in the batting order; thus, Babe Ruth will wear number 3 and Lou Gehrig number 4. In a few weeks, the Cleveland Indians announce that they, too, will put numbers on their player uniforms. By 1931, all American League teams will use them. It will be 1933 before all National League players are numbered.

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This Week in Yankees History (1/15-1/21)

This Week in Yankees History 

January 15th - January 21st

January 15th

1890 - Former Yankees MLB Scout and Minor league Manager Johnny Nee was born (1890-1957). Johnny Nee was a major league baseball scout and a minor league player-manager. Nee, a young minor league infielder of 22 was chosen to skipper the Terre Haute team in 1912 as a player-manager. He served as a player-manager at many of his minor league stops including his last post as the leader of the Virginia League Kinston Eagles (1925-1926). During that final managerial season, one of his young charges was future Hall of Famer Rick Ferrell. Starting in 1927, Johnny Nee began a long career as a MLB scout for the New York Yankees. He was credited with discovering many future MLB players including Bill Dickey, Gene Bearden, Marv Breuer, Ben Chapman, Atley Donald, Tommy Henrich, Chink Outen, Billy Werber, Johnny Allen , Dixie Walker , Spud Chandler, Billy Hitchcock and Willie Jones. He left the Yankees for the Philadelphia Phillies in 1946. At the end of the 1949 NL season, Nee was named head of the Phillies minor league system.

1896 - Former Yankees P Michael Cantwell (1916) was born. Mike Cantwell appeared in one game with the Yankees in 1916.

1934 - New York Yankees slugger Babe Ruth signs a 1-year MLB contract worth $35,000. While the contract is considered a lucrative one for the times, it represents a pay cut of $17,000 for "The Babe".

1958 - The New York Yankees announced that 140 games would be televised on WPIX-TV this season. The broadcast deal is worth over one million dollars. Six days later, the Philadelphia Phillies agree to televise 78 games into the New York City area, which is without National League baseball for the 1st time since the National League’s inception in 1876. When the Yankees threaten to televise their games into the Philadelphia TV market, the Phillies quickly change their minds.

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This Week in Yankees History (1/8-1/14)

This Week in Yankees History

January 8th - January 14th

January 8th

1913 - The New York Highlanders signed former Chicago Cubs Manager Frank Chance to be their next manager. Chance previously won 2 World Series and 4 NL pennants as the manager of the Chicago Cubs. His New York Yankees managing record would be 118-170 (1913-1914).

1941 - The BWAA in The Sporting News poll names the 1940 MLB All Star team: Hank Greenberg (LF), Yankees Joe DiMaggio (CF), Ted Williams (RF), Frank McCormick (1B), Yankees Joe Gordon (2B), Luke Appling (SS), Stan Hack (3B) and Harry Danning (C) are the position players, while Bob Feller, Bucky Walters, and Paul Derringer are the pitchers.

1963 - Former Yankees minor league OF Shane Turner was born. The New York Yankees in the 6th round of the 1985 MLB amateur player draft drafted outfielder Shane Turner. He never appeared with the Yankees at MLB level. On June 10,1987, Shane Turner was traded by the Yankees along with OF Keith Hughes to the Philadelphia Phillies for veteran OF/1B Mike Easler.

1969 - Former Yankees P Brian Boehringer (2001) was born. On December 14, 2000, Brian Boehringer was signed as a MLB free agent by the New York Yankees. He went 5-9 in 56 games before being traded on July 4,2001 to the San Francisco Giants for reserve C Bobby Estalella and minor league player Joe Smith. The Yankees signed Brian as a MLB free agent in July of 2005, but he was released at the end of the month with no appearances with the Yankees at the MLB level.

1971 - Former Yankees AL All Star DH/1B Jason Giambi (2002-2008) was born. Jason Giambi’s best New York Yankees season was in 2002, when he hit .314 with 34 HRs and 122 RBIs. Jason was named to the American League All Star teams in 2002-2004. He appeared in 897 games for the Yankees, while hitting .260 with 209 HRs and 604 RBI’s.

1976 - Former Yankees P Carl Pavano (2005-2007) was born. Former MLB free agent P Carl Pavano was 9-8 in limited action (26 games) for the New York Yankees due to various injuries.

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Jorge Posada To Announce Retirement

According to MLB Trade Rumors, Jorge Posada will announce his retirement "within the next two weeks".

Smart move by Jorge to retire a Yankee, and walk away after a solid postseason performance. I couldn't imagine him in any other uniform.

Hats off to ya Jorgie, thanks for being one of the greatest offensive catchers of our generation.

Hip Hip, Jorge!

This Week in Yankees History (12/18-12/24)

This Week in Yankees History

December 18th - December 24th

December 18th

1918 - Outfielder Duffy Lewis returns from the military, he is traded by the Boston Red Sox to the New York Yankees. He goes along with front-line pitchers Ernie Shore and Dutch Leonard for P Ray Caldwell, P Elmer “Slim” Love, C Roxy Walters, OF Frank Gilhooley, and $15,000. The Detroit Tigers had turned down a deal for Dutch Leonard on the 16th. The Boston Post newspaper reports, "It will take a lot to convince Boston fans that they got the best of this one."

1930 - Former Yankees 1B Bill "Moose" Skowron (1954-1962) was born. Bill Skowron hit .296 in 12 years with the Yankees with 156 HRs and 672 RBI's. He was named to the AL All Star team 1957-1961. In 1958, he led the AL 1st baseman in fielding. He appeared in 7 World Series with the Yankees and 1 with the Dodgers (1963). Bill was traded to the Dodgers for starter Stan Williams during the winter of 1962. Now Bill works with the Chicago White Sox community relations department. He is still a very popular player with the Yankees fans on Old Timer’s Day games.

1930 - Former Yankees minor league INF Mike Baxes was born. Before the start of 1951 AL season, the New York Yankees obtained Mike Baxes from San Francisco Seals (PCL) as part of a minor league working agreement. Before the start of the 1952 AL season, the Yankees returned Mike to San Francisco Seals (PCL), after expiration of minor league working agreement. On September 21,1955, he was purchased by the Kansas City A’s from the Seals (PCL). Mike played 2B and shortstop for the A’s. On April 12,1959, Mike was traded by the Kansas City A’s along with OF Bob Martyn to the Yankees for INF Tom Carroll and minor league OF Russ Snyder. Mike never played for the Yankees at the MLB level, he was sent to Richmond (AAA). Also his brother Jim played in the majors during the 1950’s with the Dodgers.

1950 - New York Yankees OF great Tommy "Old Reliable" Henrich calls it a career as a MLB player. He accepts a MLB coaching position with the Yankees.

1956 - Former New York Yankees American League All Star and MVP (1950) shortstop Phil Rizzuto signs as a Yankee radio-TV announcer. The New York Yankees will have him replaced veteran baseball announcer Jim Woods. The Yankees will have him join Red Barber and Mel Allen in the booth.

1957 - Former Yankees P Bob Ojeda (1994) was born. On January 28, 1994, Bob Ojeda was signed as a MLB free agent with the New York Yankees. Bob appeared in only 1 game for the Yankees in 1994. On May 5, 1994, Bob was released by the Yankees.

1958 - Former Yankees P Scott Nielsen (1986, 1988-1989) was born. On February 14, 1984, Scott was traded by the Seattle Mariners along with P Eric Parent (minors) to the New York Yankees for INF Larry Milbourne. In 1986, Scott went 4-4 for the Yankees. On January 5,1987, he was traded by the Yankees along with P Mike Soper (minors) to the Chicago White Sox for P Pete Filson and INF Randy Velarde. On November 12,1987, Scott was traded by the White Sox along with P Richard Dotson to the Yankees for OF/1B Dan Pasqua, P Steve Rosenberg and C/DH/1B Mark Salas. In 1988, he went 1-2 and in 1989 he posted a 1-0 mark for the Yankees. On July 10,1989, Scott was traded by the Yankees to the New York Mets for OF Marcus Lawton.

1967 - The Chicago White Sox send veteran 3B/1B slugger Pete Ward to the Yankees for P Mickey Scott and cash. Pete Ward was at the end of his MLB career playing with back problems.

1968 - Former Yankees reserve C Hank Severeid (1926) passed away (1891-1968). On July 22, 1926, Hank Severeid was selected off waivers by the New York Yankees from the Washington Senators. He appeared in 41 games for the 1926 Yankees, hitting .268. In the 1926 World Series, he played in all 7 games for the Yankees, hitting .273.

1973 - The New York Yankees announced the signing of Richard Williams as manager, precipitating a legal showdown with Oakland A's Owner Charlie Finley. Two days later, American League President Joe Cronin rules that the Yankees cannot sign Williams that he is still legally contracted with the Oakland A’s.

1993 - Top New York Yankees pitching prospect Brien Taylor injures his shoulder in a fight near his home in North Carolina. The Injury will require surgery and cause Taylor to miss the entire 1994 season. Taylor, who signed for a $1.55 million bonus in 1991, has yet to make it to the majors.

2002 - The New York Yankees signed MLB free agent 3B Todd Zeile to a contract. Todd will appear in 66 games for the 2002 Yankees, hitting just .210. On August 18,2003, Todd was released by the Yankees.

2009 - The New York Yankees sign MLB free agent and former Yankee 1B/DH Nick Johnson to a one-year contract with an option for 2011 American League season. He is expected to play DH and bat second in place of Johnny Damon, whom the Yankees announced they would not seek to re-sign. Damon will sign with the Detroit Tigers. Nick Johnson will miss most of the 2010 AL season due to wrist injury that required surgery.

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This Week in Yankees History (11/13-11/19)

This Week in Yankees History 

November 13th - 19th

November 13th

1882 - Former Yankees INF Ezra “Salt Rock” Midkiff (1912-1913) was born. Ezra Midkiff hit .207 in 104 games for the Yankees.

1884 - Former Yankees OF Pete Daley (1914-1915) was born. On June 13, 1914, Pete Daley was traded by the Philadelphia A’s to the New York Yankees for OF/INF Jimmy Walsh. Pete hit .250 in 79 games for the Yankees.

1925 - Former Yankees OF Jim Delsing (1949-1951) was born. On December 14, 1948, Jim Delsing was traded by the Chicago White Sox to the New York Yankees for OF Steve Souchock. He appeared in 21 games with the Yankees as a reserve outfielder. On June 15,1950, Jim was traded by the Yankees along with P Don Johnson, P Duane Pillette, INF George “Snuffy” Stirnweiss, and $50,000 to the St. Louis Browns for Pitchers Tom Ferrick, P Joe Ostrowski, and 3B Leo Thomas.

1931 - New York Yankees owner Jacob Ruppert buys the Newark Bears (International League) franchise. The Newark Bears will be very successful and will send many players to the Yankees. The 1938-1939 Newark Bears were considered to the best Yankee farm teams in the team’s minor league system history and in minor league baseball history as well. In 1950, the Yankees sell the team to the Chicago Cubs, who move to the team to Springfield, MA.

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This Week in Yankees History (11/6-11/12)

This Week in Yankees History

November 6th - 12th

November 6th

1931 - Former Yankees P Jack “Happy Jack” Chesbro passed away (1874-1931). Jack Chesbro holds the MLB and New York Yankees team record for most wins in a MLB season with 41 wins in 1904. From 1903-1909, Jack won 129 games as a Yankees hurler; he appeared in 269 games with 169 complete games, 1,953 innings, a .577 WP, a 2.58 ERA, with 16 shutouts and 913 strikeouts. Before joining the New York Yankees in 1903, Jack had previously pitched for the Pittsburgh Pirates in National League.

1942 - The New York Yankees are notified that INF Frank Crosetti will be suspended for 30 days, commencing opening day of the 1943 AL season for pushing Umpire Bill Sommers in Game #3 of the 1942 World Series. Frank Crosetti was fined $250, as was Yankees 2B Joe “Flash” Gordon.

1953 - Former Yankees P John Candelaria (1988-1989) was born. On January 15, 1988, John Candelaria was signed as a MLB free agent with the New York Yankees. John went 16-10 in 35 games with the Yankees. On August 29,1989, John was traded by the Yankees to the Montreal Expos for INF Mike Blowers.

1961 - Former Yankees 3B Roy Hartzell (1911-1916) passed away. On February 11, 1911, Roy Hartzell was traded by the St. Louis Browns with cash to the Yankees for 3B Jimmy Austin and 2B Frank LaPorte. He appeared in 699 games for the Yankees, hitting .261 with 8 HRs with 266 RBIs.

1968 - Former Yankees reserve OF Chad Curtis (1997-1998) was born. On June 9,1997, Chad Curtis was traded by the Cleveland Indians to the Yankees for P Dave Weathers. Chad would hit .291 in 93 games in 1997, but he slumped to .243 in 151 games in 1998. On December 13,1998, Chad was traded by the New York Yankees to the Texas Rangers for minor league hurlers Brandon Knight and Sam Marsonek.

1968 - New York Yankees sell INF Ruben Amaro Sr. to the Angels for a disclosed amount of money believed to be greater than the waiver price. Ruben was a major disappointment for the Yankees, who had traded for him to replacing the retiring Yankees regular shortstop Tony Kubek.

1971 - Former Yankees OF Bubba Trammell (2003) was born. On March 19, 2003, Bubba Trammell was traded by the San Diego Padres along with Mark Phillips (minors) and cash to the New York Yankees for OF/DH Rondell White. Bubba appeared in only 22 games for the Yankees, hitting .200, before leaving the team for personal reasons, which were never made public.

1978 - The New York Yankees released veteran P Andy Messersmith, who will sign with the Dodgers. Andy Messersmith never really recovered from the separated shoulder injury suffered in spring training, when he was run into during a play at 1B by Yankees 1B Cliff Johnson.

1983 - Current Yankees Minor League OF Justin Maxwell was born. On February 2, 2011, Justin Maxwell was traded by the Washington Nationals to the New York Yankees for minor league hurler Adam Olbrychowski. Maxwell began the 2011 season with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees (AAA), but his season ended prematurely due to a torn labrum

2008 - New York Yankees pitcher Mike Mussina won the American League Golden Glove award for the seventh time in his MLB career, but for the first time in five years.

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2 Years Ago - #27

(Yahoo!)

Two years ago yesterday, the Yankees finally captured their 27th World Series Championship. Phillies center-fielder Shane Victorino grounded out to Robinson Cano, who fired to first base to secure the 7-3 win and the W.S. title.

I am really amazed how quick two years have gone by. I was of course at the game, if you can remember, and it will always be one of the greatest moments of my life. I was in Section 421, and saw everything, from Matsui's 6 RBIs, to the trophy presentation, and the party that lasted well into the morning in the Bronx.

The entire series was incredible too, from A.J.'s Game 2 masterpiece, Johnny Damon's double-steal, and countless of other great moments, ulitmately culminating in #27.

A lot has changed since that November night. But it is always great to look back on what was an incredible moment in Yankee history, one I will never, ever, forget.

Go Yankees.