Whitey Ford of the New York Yankees (Photo by Robert Riger/Getty Images)
Whitey Ford is the best pitcher in the history of the Yankees.
While other dynasties have emerged since, the New York Yankees of the 1950s and early 1960s were on another level. One of the last few Yankees remaining from those legendary teams unfortunately passed away today, as “the Chairman of the Board” has left us.
Whitey Ford, who won a Yankees-record 236 games in between his debut in 1950 and his retirement in 1967, passed away on Friday at the age of 91. Ford leaves behind a resume that made him the best pitcher with a franchise that has historically been dominated by power hitters.
Whitey Ford’s numbers are as good as any pitcher’s stats in the late ’50s and early ’60s
Ford had a career ERA of 2.75 and never posted a mark above 3.24 in his 16-year career. While he never threw with great velocity, Ford’s ability to consistently throw strikes and strike out hitters with a wicked slider helped him win two ERA titles and one Cy Young Award after being named an All-Star on 10 different occasions.
Ford’s greatest accomplishment is his performance in the postseason, as he pitched in an absurd 11 World Series, winning six. He had a 2.71 ERA in 22 starts, including a streak of 33.2 scoreless innings in the Fall Classic. Whenever the Yankees’ dynasty needed a big win, it was a sure thing that Ford was going to be on the mound and go the distance.
Both New York franchises have lost their greatest pitcher ever, as the Mets had to reckon with the passing of the legendary Tom Seaver. While Seaver was the more unhittable of the two, Ford’s legacy remains as one of the greatest clutch performers ever to suit up on an MLB field and one of the most respected people ever be connected to the game of baseball.
