Sports History

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Graig Nettles, Superstar In Hiding - Baseball Prospectus in the "Rubbing Mud" edition review of Nettles by BaseballProspectus.com. Graig Nettles is one of the top MLB players that wore Jersey Number 9.

Born November 8, 1896, in Port Jervis, New York, was Baseball Hall of Fame Second Baseman and Manager Bucky Harris. This legend played for the Washington Senators for ten seasons, even helping them to claim the 1924 World Series crown as a player/manager, and then spent his final two years as a member of the Detroit Tigers. His career batting average was .274, and he batted in 508 runs in the MLB. Harris stayed in baseball as a manager, and it was this part of his career that got him into the Hall of Fame after 29 productive years on the job as he not only won World Series glory in '24 but also helped the New York Yankees to the title in 1947 as their skipper.

Born November 7, 1938, in Zeeland, Michigan, was Baseball Hall of Fame Pitcher Jim Kaat. This legend won 16 Gold Gloves and was a three-time MLB All-Star. Kaat took the mound for the Washington Senators, the Minnesota Twins, the Chicago White Sox, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees, and the St Louis Cardinals during his 27-year MLB career. He helped the Cardinals win the 1982 World Series and had a career ERA of 3.45 with 2461 strikeouts and 17 saves.

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YouTube videos of some of the top players by Mickey Mantle

They're more than just a baseball team; they're an institution. From their iconic pinstripes to their storied past, the New York Yankees have captivated fans for over a century. But beyond the World Series titles and legendary players lies a rich tapestry of triumphs, heartbreaks, and moments that have cemented their place in baseball history.

Join us on a journey through time, as we delve into the captivating saga of the New York Yankees. We'll explore the early days of the Highlanders, their transformation into the mighty Yankees, and the dynasties that ruled the baseball landscape. We'll meet the larger-than-life characters who wore the pinstripes, from the stoic Babe Ruth to the charismatic Joe Namath, and relive the iconic moments that etched their names in legend.

But our exploration won't shy away from the challenges. We'll examine the periods of struggle, the controversial trades, and the near misses that defined the Yankees' journey. We'll analyze the evolution of the game, the changing strategies, and how the Yankees adapted to remain a force to be reckoned with.

Whether you're a die-hard fan with encyclopedic knowledge or a curious newcomer, this series has something for everyone. We'll offer in-depth analysis, captivating storytelling, and behind-the-scenes insights. So, grab your peanuts and Cracker Jacks, settle in, and prepare to be transported into the thrilling world of Yankee baseball.

Babe Ruth was a cultural phenomenon. His feats on the field transcended sports, rewriting the record books and captivating the hearts of millions. Let's delve into some of his most staggering accomplishments that cemented his legendary status:

Home Run King:

-Before Ruth, hitting 20 home runs in a season was exceptional. He shattered that barrier in 1920, belting a jaw-dropping 54 homers, then followed it up with 60 in 1927. This record stood for 34 years, solidifying his nickname "The Sultan of Swat."

-He retired with a staggering 714 home runs, a record that stood for 39 years and remains one of the most recognizable numbers in sports history.

World Series Champion:

-The Bambino wasn't just a one-man show; he brought championships to his teams. While with the Boston Red Sox, he led them to three World Series titles (1915, 1916, 1918). Then, after being traded to the New York Yankees, he added four more rings (1923, 1927, 1928, 1932).
Impact beyond Statistics:

-Ruth's impact reached far beyond statistics. He revitalized baseball after the Black Sox scandal, single-handedly drawing massive crowds and generating fan interest unprecedented in the sport's history.

-He became a pop culture icon, appearing in movies, songs, and advertisements, further solidifying his place in American consciousness.

Revolutionizing the Game:

-Ruth wasn't just a prolific hitter; he changed the way the game was played. His emphasis on power-hitting and focus on home runs inspired a generation of sluggers and shifted the offensive philosophy of baseball.
Beyond the Numbers:

-Ruth's legacy goes beyond mere numbers. He overcame a difficult childhood and battled personal demons, inspiring millions with his resilience and talent. He broke racial barriers by advocating for the inclusion of Satchel Paige in the MLB, contributing to the eventual integration of the sport.

Henry Louis Gehrig, better known as Lou Gehrig, was more than just a baseball player; he was a legend whose career embodied dedication, resilience, and an unwavering spirit. From his dominant years as "The Iron Horse" to his tragic battle with ALS, Gehrig's story continues to inspire generations.

A Rising Star and Record-Breaking Streak: Entering Major League Baseball in 1923, Gehrig quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. His powerful hitting, earning him the nickname "The Iron Horse," led him to break numerous records, including:

Consecutive games played (2,130)
Most grand slams in a career (23)
Highest career RBIs in a season (184)
He was a seven-time All-Star, two-time American League MVP, and a key member of six World Series championship teams with the New York Yankees, forming a formidable duo with Babe Ruth.

A Tragic Turn and Enduring Legacy: Sadly, Gehrig's career was cut short at the peak when he was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), later known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. Despite the debilitating illness, he displayed remarkable courage and strength, delivering his emotional "Luckiest Man on Earth" speech in 1941.

Born June 19, 1903, in New York, NY, was Baseball Hall of Fame First Baseman Lou Gehrig. Lou played 17 seasons in Major League Baseball for the New York Yankees (1923–1939). Gehrig was an All-Star seven consecutive times, a Triple Crown winner once, an American League Most Valuable Player twice, and a six World Series champion Yankee teams member. For his MLB career, he had a career .340 batting average, a .632 slugging average, and a .447 on-base average, and he hit 493 home runs.

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Mickey Mantle, nicknamed "The Mick" and "Commerce Comet," wasn't just a baseball player; he was a cultural icon. With his powerful swing, switch-hitting prowess, and magnetic personality, he captivated fans for 18 seasons with the New York Yankees (1951-1968). Here's a glimpse into his legendary career:

Meteoric Rise to Stardom: Drafted in 1949, Mantle quickly established himself as a slugger, setting a rookie record of 52 home runs in 1952. His power and switch-hitting ability made him a feared hitter, earning him three Most Valuable Player Awards (1956, 1957, 1962) and a Triple Crown (1956).

World Series Hero and Home Run King: Mantle played in 12 World Series, winning seven championships. He holds the record for most World Series home runs (18) and RBIs (40). His 536 career home runs, despite battling chronic injuries, placed him fourth all-time at the time of his retirement.

Born October 20, 1931, in Spavinaw, OK. was Baseball Hall of Fame center fielder Mickey Mantle. Mantle played wearing the number 7 on the New York Yankees (1951-68) for 18 seasons as he batted 0.298 for his career, had an On Base percentage of 0.557, with 536 career Home Runs, and 1 Gold Glove Awarded Seasons. It is no wonder why Mantle is one of the top MLB players to have worn the Number 7 Jersey and perhaps one of the greatest MLB players ever. This Biography.com article is very informative on the player.

Born April 24, 1977 in Manati, Puerto Rico, was legendary MLB Centerfielder, Carlos Beltrán. The Big guy played in the MLB as an outfielder from 1998 to 2017 for the Kansas City Royals, Houston Astros, New York Mets, San Francisco Giants, St. Louis Cardinals, New York Yankees, and Texas Rangers. Beltran was named to nine MLB All-Star Games and won three Gold Glove Awards and two Silver Slugger Awards. He had won a World Series title with the Houston Astros.

Edward Charles "Whitey" Ford, nicknamed "The Chairman of the Board" for his calm demeanor and control, carved his name into baseball history as one of the greatest left-handed pitchers ever. Here's a glimpse into his legendary career:

Early Brilliance and Military Duty (1950-1952):

-Burst onto the scene in 1950, winning 9 games with a stellar 2.81 ERA as a rookie.

-Drafted into the US Army, missing the 1951 and 1952 seasons, showcasing his dedication and commitment despite the interruption.

Dominating the World Series Stage (1953-1967):

-Became a cornerstone of the New York Yankees dynasty, appearing in a record 22 World Series games.

-Earned a remarkable 10 World Series wins, solidifying his reputation as a "big game" pitcher.

-Led the American League in wins three times and contributed to six World Series championships for the Yankees.

A Master of Control and Efficiency (1953-1967):

-Never pitched more than 255 innings in a season, emphasizing his remarkable durability and reliance on pinpoint control.

-Boasted a career 2.75 ERA, showcasing his ability to consistently limit runs.

-Despite not relying on overpowering fastballs, he mastered deception and location, earning him respect from batters and fans alike.

Legacy and Lasting Impact (1967-present):

-Retired in 1967 with a 236-106 record, boasting the best winning percentage (.690) of any modern pitcher with at least 150 victories.

-Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974, solidifying his place among baseball's greats.

-Revered by Yankees fans and the baseball community for his humility, sportsmanship, and unwavering contributions to the team's golden age.

Born October 21, 1928, in New York City, NY was Baseball Hall of Fame Pitcher Whitey Ford. This legend was a ten-time MLB All Star. Whitey was part of World Series Championships with the New York Yankees in 1950, 53, 56, 58, 61, and 62. He was honored as the MVP of the 1961 Series as he also took home the AL Cy Young Award that year as well.