Whitey Ford

Edward Charles “Whitey” Ford, born on October 21, 1928, in Manhattan, New York, became one of Major League Baseball’s most celebrated pitchers. He grew up in Astoria, Queens, and attended the Manhattan High School of Aviation Trades. Ford signed with the New York Yankees as an amateur free agent in 1947, commencing a career that would see him play his entire 16 years in MLB with the team. Nicknamed “the Chairman of the Board” for his calm demeanor under pressure and “Slick” by manager Casey Stengel, Ford was known for his exceptional control and diverse pitching repertoire rather than an overwhelming fastball. His career was briefly interrupted by service in the United States Army during the Korean War in 1951 and 1952.

Ford made his major league debut on July 1, 1950, winning his first nine decisions. Upon his return from military service in 1953, he joined a formidable Yankees pitching staff. Throughout his career, Ford achieved significant milestones, including 10 All-Star selections and six World Series championships (1950, 1953, 1956, 1958, 1961, 1962). In 1961, a career-best year, he won both the Cy Young Award and the World Series Most Valuable Player Award, leading the American League with a 25–4 record. He also led the AL in wins three times (1955, 1961, 1963) and in earned run average twice (1956, 1958). Ford holds Yankees franchise records for career wins (236), shutouts (45), innings pitched (3,170.1), and games started (438, tied with Andy Pettitte). His World Series records include consecutive scoreless innings (33.2), wins (10), and games started (22).

Ford retired in May 1967 at age 38 due to declining health, following surgery for a circulatory problem in his throwing shoulder in 1966. After his playing career, he remained involved with baseball, serving as the Yankees’ pitching coach in 1964 and again from 1974 to 1975, and as first base coach in 1968. In 1974, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame alongside Mickey Mantle, and his uniform number 16 was retired by the Yankees. Ford was honored with a plaque in Monument Park at Yankee Stadium in 1987. He passed away on October 8, 2020, at the age of 91.