Sweet Sixteen

“Sweet” is one of my favorite words in the English language. I use it frequently to describe athletes, great plays and as an emotion I’m feeling when happy. Three weeks from now is Opening Day. The new Yankee stadium will have the retired numbers of former pinstriped players painted across the interior backdrop of the outfield fence. It just so happens the Bombers have 16 retired numbers (not including Jackie Robinson’s number 42, which is still worn by Mariano Rivera) In light of the NCAA tournament and today being the 16th of March, here is a look at the “sweet sixteen” Yankees who had their numbers retired.

1 Billy Martin: Martin won several championships as a scrappy New York 2B but was traded because he was considered a bad influence on Mickey Mantle. His shining moment was the 1953 World Series against the Dodgers. Billy had an incredible .500 average during the series and hit two homeruns, two triples and a double. He also stole a base and drove in 8 runs. Martin was the Yankees manager in 1975 and returned in 1976 after coaching in Texas. He lasted only three years but came back as skipper from 1983-1988. Martin led the 1977 Yankees to their first World Series title in 15 years despite being a brash and abrasive manager.

3 Babe Ruth: George Herman needs no introduction. He is “The Babe” “Sultan of Swat” and “Bambino”. Ruth revolutionized the game when America was searching hard for a hero and baseball was losing credibility due to the Black Sox scandal. The Babe managed an .847 slugging percentage while a member of the 1920 Bomber team. It’s hard to conceive his .376 average was only fourth best in the league that year. Ruth was a part of the dreaded Murder’s Row Yankee lineup. His 60 homeruns in 1927 were the most in history at the time. Roger Maris would shatter the record in 1961 during the great homerun race with Mickey Mantle. Everybody idolized the immortal Babe and many forget he also excelled at pitching while a Boston Red Sox. The trade that sent him to the Yankees will probably forever remain a curse than haunts the Sox. The House That Ruth Built was named so for this very man. Baltimore-born Babe bounced around playfully as the Yankees everyday amusing right fielder.

4 Lou Gehrig: My favorite player of all time is a true legend and a true Yankee. Gehrig was blessed with natural talent and pure skills. He became a gifted baseball player and surpassed and exceeded all expectations on and off the diamond. Lou was not even considered the greatest player on his own team yet his accomplishments in pinstripes conceivably depict him as the best ever. Gehrig finished his shortened career with a .340 average and the most grand slams in the history of the game. The modest “Iron Horse” held the consecutive games played streak until Cal Ripken, Jr. surpassed him in the 90’s. The sure-handed first base slugger could always be counted on, was a powerful and physical presence and a lifetime New York Yankee (1923-39). The famous July 4th speech given by him is still a part of every sports fans’ lore and knowledge.

5 Joe DiMaggio: DiMaggio was an American idol and all-around athletic genius. Joe accomplished so many baseball feats during his remarkable 15 year career. His most prominent claim-to-fame is the 56 game hitting streak in 1941. The record still stands today and probably won’t ever be broken in my lifetime. DiMaggio did it all, from hitting for the cycle multiple times to winning MVPs and batting titles year in and year out. Joltin’ Joe or the Clipper, as he was affectionately called, was born in California and spent time in the service during his playing days. No one will soon forget him playing CF and his incredible instincts as a player.

7 Mickey Mantle: Fan favorite, Mickey Mantle, was every little boy’s idol growing up. The blonde-haired, baby-faced Mick looked like a baseball player. Kids mimicked his stance and swing, and aspired to be exactly like the famous #7. The switch-hitting centerfielder was as athletic and graceful as they come. Mantle pounded the baseball. His long, moon shots were the talk of the town as he terrorized opposing mounds men. The 1956 Triple Crown winner was also a 3 time AL MVP and appeared in 16 all-star games as a Yankee. Mickey replaced the legendary DiMaggio in 1952 at age 20 and practically filled his shoes nicely. Sadly, Mantle was slowed by many injuries and off the field issues late in his stellar career.

8 Yogi Berra and Bill Dickey: Yogi is one of the most recognizable baseball players and most successful Yankees. The left-handed backstop is also the most quotable in the game. Yogi’s real name is Lawrence and he was born to Italian immigrants. Berra holds the major league record for World Series games, at-bats, hits, doubles and singles. Most likely, he would not have those credentials without his awesome teammates who were so consistently dominant. The beloved Berra had an awkward and squatty shape but truly was outstanding behind the plate with the glove and bat. His solid fielding was evidenced by his low error total. Perhaps Yogi’s most shining moment as a player was catching Don Larsen’s perfect game. He also managed both New York teams and is still a famous figure in the Bronx.
Bill Dickey shared the same position and uniform number as Yogi Berra. His 1936 .362 average tied the highest for a single season for a catcher (with Mike Piazza). Dickey was an instrumental part of the Yankees’ 4 consecutive World Series titles (1936-39). Dickey’s discipline and demonstrative style were memorable. He only struck out 289 times in 6,300 at-bats. He demonstrated what playing the catching position should be all about. Bill was an 11 time all-star and his large size made him durable in such a demanding position.

9 Roger Maris: Maris enjoyed much of the same star status and success as his teammate Mantle. Roger was the anti-Mickey though. His subdued, quiet and boy-next-door characteristics were not admired by some fans. In 1960, Maris led the league in slugging percentage, RBI’s and extra-base hits. It was clear he was not intimated by playing in the Big Apple. He also won MVP in his first year as a Bomber and is considered one of the best defensive OF’s in the franchise history. Maris rivaled Mickey in all-statistical categories and aspects of the game but never really won over the NY media. During the 1962 World Series against the Giants, he made a 9th inning Game 7-saving catch. Maris also held the single season homerun record of 61 before the steroid-induced sluggers of our generation took challenged it.

10 Phil Rizzuto: The Yankee Scooter was a speedy shortstop with spunk. Rizzuto had a familiar voice as a broadcaster for the Yankees also. He was steady for 11 full seasons and earned MVP in 1950. Phil was lively but didn’t let it affect his fielding. The Scooter was close to errorless throughout his career. Rizzuto spent 40 years as a broadcaster after his career of good throws and nonchalant play in the field. He lacked power because of his small size but he was a major player for the Bombers (1941-56).

15 Thurman Munson: Akron, Ohio’s Thurman Munson was a 4th round draft pick in 1968. Munson became team captain and is the only Bomber to ever win both MVP and Rookie of the Year. Munson was an outstanding fielder and outstanding post-season performer. The mustached Munson batted .529 in the 1976 World Series and .320 in the 1977 one. Thurman’s sudden death in 1979 was tragic and felt worldwide. He died in a plane crash during the playing season and his fellow friends, Lou Piniella and Bobby Murcer, delivered eulogies during his funeral. Number 15’s locker remains empty and unoccupied in the Yankees clubhouse as a tribute to the great catcher.

16 Whitey Ford: I remember my dad telling me Whitey was one of the few Yankees he actually liked. The Chairman of the Board spent his entire 18 year career in NY, which was fitting since he was born in Astoria. Ford was calm and in command whenever he took the mound. His pitchers were not overpowering, but his pinpoint control and guile granted him many strikeouts. The 1961 CY Young winner won 236 total games. Edward Charles Ford is known for his low ERA and sky high winning percentage of .690.

23 Don Mattingly: Faithful followers of #23 are still plentiful. It’s too bad Donnie Baseball couldn’t prolong his career. He was one of the best first basemen I’ve seen play but suffered back problems and called it quits after 1995. Friendly Don played in an era when I started enjoying the game but the Yankees were not very good. Perhaps he will never make the Hall-of-Fame like the fellow Yankees with retired numbers, but he is still considered one of NY‘s most popular. Donnie had 1,099 career RBIs, 9 Gold Gloves and won the 1985 MVP. In 1987, Mattingly tied the record for hitting homeruns in 8 consecutive games and getting an extra-base hit in 10 consecutive games. He has 6 career grand slams in that one year. After coming up in 1982 for NY, most will remember he never got the chance to play in the World Series.

32 Elston Howard: The unabridged, unsung and wholesome Howard epitomized class before Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera came along. Howard was the Yankees first African American player. He started his major league career in 1955 and finished in 1968 with the enemy Red Sox. Howard has a lifetime slugging average of .427, impressive for a catcher. It was difficult to find room for Elston with Yogi Berra being the starter. Howard homered in his first World Series appearance in 1955 and was prolific in the 1958 one. Elston became a full-time catcher in the 1960’s for NY and many credit him for inventing the batting “donut”. The St. Louis baby played on 10 pennant winning teams in just 13 years. Elston was adaptable and respected throughout the organization.

37 Casey Stengel: The Old Professor, Casey Stengel, played for the Brooklyn Dodgers and NY Giants, among several other ball clubs. He was a manager for Brooklyn, Boston (Braves), and both the Yankees and Mets. As a skipper, Stengel compiled 1905 wins and 8 World Championships. Stengel was a competent player but really just average skill-wise. Casey led the Yankees to 5 consecutive championships as a manager. He was a reputed sharp tactician and captivating leader. Stengel was hands-on with players and popular among coaches and fans. Charismatic Casey is the only person to have worn the uniform of all four major league teams that played in NYC.

44 Reggie Jackson: Any rational human being couldn’t help but appreciate Jackson’s confidence. Mr. October steered his teams in the right direction come playoff time with his clutch and legendary games. The star right-fielder batted left and his 1971 homerun during the all-star game in Detroit hit a light on the roof of the stadium. Later, he would hit a ball out of that park but as a free agent added to the Bronx in 1976, Reggie did nothing but drive in runs and win. He had a rough relationship with many teammates and with his coaches, but Jackson still produced. He has a huge performance with three home runs I Game 6 of the 1976 World Series. The crowning achievements didn’t end there. Jackson finished with 10 homers, 24 RBIs, and a .357 average in 27 World Series games. He is still a cornerstone and influence to today’s young Bombers.

49 Ron Guidry: Louisiana Lightning was a proud left-handed flamethrower. The Gator had a 3.29 ERA and 170-91 record. Guidry struck out 18 batters in 1978 against the Angels on his way to winning the CY Young award. Ron mastered the slider and complemented the pitch with his sharp fastball. Ron finished second in 1978 for MVP and had the lowest ERA of any pitcher for one season. Number 49 was a leader on the field and a master teacher. He was co-captain of the ‘86 team with Willie Randolph and joined the coaching staff in NY for Joe Torre.

Nobody really wants to be seated 16th in the NCAA tournament, but I don’t think it’s so bad after all. Yes, you were the last seed selected, but look at it this way: at least you’re dancing.

Parting points: Song of the day- “No Way Back”- Foo Fighters