Edward Charles “Whitey” Ford passed away today at the age of 91. The New York Yankee legend pitched for 16 years in pinstripes (1950, 1953-1967) and is still the franchise leader in Wins (236).
Chairman of the Board
Ford debuted in 1950 and made an immediate impression going 9-1 with a 2.81 ERA. He served in the Army for the next two years and upon returning to the Yankees in 1953, he picked up where he left off with an 18-6 record and an even 3.00 ERA. He became “The Chairman of the Board” quickly and in 1956 Ford led the AL in ERA (2.47) and finished third in Cy Young Award voting. In 1961 Ford won the award while leading the league with 283 innings pitched and going 25-4. That same year he broke Babe Ruth‘s record of 29 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings in World Series play. Ford’s record of 33 still stands today.
Whitey won his sixth and final championship the following year. In 1966, Ford underwent surgery to fix a circulatory problem in his pitching shoulder. He attempted a comeback in 1967, but in May, at age 38, he decided to hang up the spikes. In 1974, Ford’s number 16 was retired by the Yankees and nine days later he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. In 1987, the Yankees dedicated a plaque to Whitey in Monument Park.
Ford won six championships, was a 10-time All-Star, and had the best winning percentage of any pitcher with at least 300 decisions (.690). His 10 World Series victories are also still a record. The Yankees and all of Major League Baseball lost a legend today. Our condolences go out to Mr. Ford’s family and friends. Rest in Peace Mr. Chairman.
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Main Credit Image: Embed from Getty Images
