Yankee Old-Timers Day: A Long-Running Tradition

The 2007 Old-Timers Day included Whitey Ford (16), Yogi Berra (8), Reggie Jackson (44), Don Mattingly (23), Ron Guidry (49), Moose Skowron (14), Don Larsen (18), Graig Nettles (9), Bobby Murcer (1), Goose Gossage (54), Paul O’Neill (21), Scott Brosius (18), Joe Pepitone (25), and Chris Chambliss (10). (Jerry Coli/Dreamstime)

 

The original Yankee Stadium, with its majestic triple-deck structure, was impressive. Jerry Coleman, ex-Yankee, World Series MVP winner, and broadcaster, recalled the ballpark with awe: “That stadium … that huge triple deck with the façade up there … my God, it was like going to a cathedral, really.”1 Memorable moments thrilled fans over the years: a seventh-game World Series win, Ruth’s 60th, Maris’ 61st, Mantle’s 500th.

Yankee Stadium, rebuilt in 2009, was a special place for memorable events. One such event was the long-running Old-Timers Day.2

Although the Yankees have maintained the tradition of the old-timers games the longest, John Thorn, Major League Baseball’s historian, noted that the recognition of former players playing exhibition games dated back to 1875. The “Old Duffer” Knickerbockers of the 1840s and 1850s played the “Youngsters” of the 1860s.3

Yankee Stadium Old-Timers Day roots can arguably be traced to two moments that honored dying ballplayers. The first was on July 4, 1939, Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day. On hand were Gehrig’s 1920s teammates, including Mark Koenig, Wally Schang, Herb Pennock, Wally Pipp, Bob Shawkey, Benny Bengough, George Pipgras, Tony Lazzeri, Earle Combs, Joe Dugan, Waite Hoyt, Bob Meusel, Everett Scott, and Babe Ruth. The unforgettable part of that day was Gehrig’s iconic goodbye, his “Luckiest Man on the Face of the Earth” speech.4

The second was on April 27, 1947. Babe Ruth Day was proclaimed across professional baseball by Commissioner Happy Chandler to honor The Babe.5 On that day Larry MacPhail, the Yankees general manager, announced that the Yankees would host their first Old-Timers Day on September 28.6 This event would include an exhibition game between former players. Red Patterson, the Yankees’ publicity director, continued the tradition in homage to Ruth.7

Regardless of the day one selects as the origin, the Yankee Old-Timers Day tradition has continued with its pomp, revelry, and circumstance for either 75 or 83 years, with a two-year interruption (2020-21) because of the COVID pandemic. Following are some Old-Timers Day events with significant themes.

RECOGNITION OF THE BABE AND THE FIRST OFFICIAL OLD-TIMERS DAY (1947)

The Yankees had clinched the American League pennant two weeks earlier, but still a crowd of 25,085 attended the Yankees’ final game of the regular season on September 28, 1947. The one-time very familiar Bambino batting stance was not seen this day. A frail, visibly ill Ruth appeared, his camel-hair coat collar turned up and buttoned to his chin.8 Barely able to speak, Ruth waved to the roaring crowd.9 Ruth could not suit up for the game. He posed for pictures with other immortals like Ty Cobb and Tris Speaker. Yankee greats there included Frank Baker, Herb Pennock, Bob Meusel, Earle Combs, Waite Hoyt, Lefty Gomez, and Red Ruffing. Philadelphia Athletics owner-manager Connie Mack managed a squad of non-Yankee former stars including Speaker, Al Simmons, George Sisler, Jimmie Foxx, Mickey Cochrane, Lefty Grove, Chief Bender, Cy Young, Ed Walsh, and Ty Cobb. Twenty current or future Hall of Famers played or attended. Combs sealed the win with an inside-the-park home run over Tris Speaker’s head. The quip of the day may have been uttered by Hoyt who, after throwing out Ty Cobb said, “They had been trying to do that for 40 years.”10

All gate receipts were donated to the Babe Ruth Foundation, which had recently been founded to aid underprivileged youth.11 The event reportedly raised about $45,000.12

SILVER ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF THE STADIUM (1948)

Silver Anniversary Day, June 13, 1948, was festive, cast in emotional celebrations: the 25th anniversary of Yankee Stadium, the retirement of Ruth’s number 3, and recognition of some of the most storied players.13 On a bittersweet note, it was Ruth’s last appearance at the Stadium.14

Yankees President Dan Topping presented Ruth with a pocket watch with the inscription “Silver Anniversary 1923-1948, the House That Ruth Built.” Former general manager/club President Ed Barrow, who greeted Ruth at the plate, also received an inscribed pocket watch. Ruth thrilled fans when he assumed his familiar once-feared stance and took a mighty cut.15

American League President Will Harridge accepted the Ruth uniform and proclaimed that “it would never again be worn here or on the road.”16 That Ruth uniform remains on display at the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.

Before the player introductions, memorial wreaths were placed on the Lou Gehrig, Jacob Ruppert, and Miller Huggins monuments. Bob Shawkey, Huggins’ successor as Yankees manager, placed the wreath on his monument; Barrow, on Ruppert’s; and Bill Dickey, on Gehrig’s.17

Players from the 1923 team squared off against a collection of former Yankees. New York Mayor William O’Dwyer threw out the first pitch; Governor Al Smith had used the same ball for the Stadium’s inaugural toss in 1923.18 Yankees players in the Old-Timers game included Joe Sewell, Tiny Bonham, Hank Borowy,19 Red Rolfe, George Selkirk, Lefty Gomez, Tom Zachary, Bill Dickey, and Mark Koenig. The ’23 team, anchored by Pipp, Meusel, Bullet Joe Bush, Carl Mays, Shawkey, Hoyt, and Dugan, prevailed, 2-0. The Yankees All Stars were managed by Ruth with help from Chuck Dressen. Meusel drove in Dugan and Pipp on a blooper misplayed by Rolfe.20

 

DIMAGGIO’S FIRST OLD-TIMERS DAY (1952)

On August 30, 1952, Joe DiMaggio returned for the first time in what would be a very long Old-Timers Day run for him.21 He returned every year until his death before the 1999 season, except for 1988, when he was recovering from abdominal surgery.22 That span of 46 years was the second-longest number of appearances by any Yankees old-timer. Hector Lopez holds the record with 53 appearances (1967-2019).

The Yankees commemorated their 50th year by honoring living members among the greatest Yankees of all time as voted by the baseball writers.23 Joe DiMaggio managed the cast of “All-Timers.” Honorees included Bill Dickey, Phil Rizzuto, Earle Combs, Lefty Gomez, Red Ruffing, Wally Pipp, Frank Crosetti, and Home Run Baker, who managed the “Yankee All Stars.” The All-Timers prevailed, 3-0.

Special recognition was given to Clark Griffith, pitcher and manager of the 1903 team, then known as the Highlanders, by American League President Will Harridge, with a little help from Supreme Court Justice Tom Clark, Connie Mack, and Ed Barrow. Others from Highlanders days included Dave Fultz and Elmer Bliss.

The Yankees held a reunion dinner at the Ruppert Brewery.24

SECOND DECADE OF OLD-TIMERS DAYS BEGINS (1957)

On July 27, 1957, 30 former Yankees stars and 25 Detroit Tigers notables compiled this installment of Old-Timers Day. In perhaps an ironic moment, Home Run Baker and Joe DiMaggio were captured giving home run tips to Mickey Mantle. Mantle was the Triple Crown winner in 1956, with 52 homers that year – a mark neither DiMaggio nor Baker ever reached.

Other notable attendees: recent Hall of Fame inductee Wahoo Sam Crawford, Mickey Cochrane, Ty Cobb, and Earle Combs.

DIMAGGIO’S TAINTED AT-BAT (1965)

On July 31, 1965, before a crowd of 42,170, Al Schacht, known as baseball’s Clown Prince and noted for his comedic antics on the diamond, played a big part in the DiMaggio at-bat. Schacht served as a guest umpire, and his generous rules interpretations victimized former Cincinnati Reds star pitcher Bucky Walters. Schacht allowed a DiMaggio at-bat to continue, twice.25 Disappointed fans groaned when Jim Hegan caught the Yankee Clipper’s foul pop. Sighs turned into cheers when Hegan “dropped” the ball. Walters looked in and smiled. DiMaggio hit another popup, near third. Monte Irvin made a backhanded grab. As DiMaggio started to walk away, Schacht ruled the backhanded catch “illegal.” DiMaggio did not disappoint; on the next pitch, he smacked a line drive into the left-field stands.26

NEW AND OLD OLD-TIMERS (1969)

Old-Timers Day on August 9, 1969, was themed the Yankee All-Timers and the opponent All-Timers. For the first time since October 5, 1951 (Game Two of the World Series), Mickey Mantle and Joe DiMaggio played together.27 A fan vote selected the all-timers. The outcome was odd: Two active Yankees were selected as Yankee All-Timers, Mel Stottlemyre and Joe Pepitone. The under- or near 40-year-old contingent included the newly retired Mantle, Whitey Ford, Tony Kubek, Bobby Richardson, and Bill Skowron. The Yankees roster included Bill Dickey, Joe Dugan, Waite Hoyt, Lefty Gomez, Charlie Keller, and Gil McDougald. Yankees opponents included Carl Furillo, the Bronx-born Rocky Colavito, and Hall of Famers Monte Irvin and Dizzy Dean. The largest ovations went to the newly elected Hall of Fame members Roy Campanella and Stan Musial.28 The game ended in a 0-0 stalemate.

GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY OF FIRST PENNANT (1971)

On July 10, 1971, the Yankees celebrated the 50th anniversary of their first pennant, in 1921, when the Yankees were tenants in the Polo Grounds. At least one member of all 29 pennant-winning teams was on hand. From the 1921 team were Whitey Witt, the first Yankee to take a turn at the plate in 1923 at Yankee Stadium, and Roger Peckinpaugh, who managed the Yankees for 20 games as a 23-year-old in 1914 and anchored shortstop for the Yankees for nine seasons.29

The two-inning affair was capped off with an unlikely inside-the-park home run by Elston Howard off Ralph Terry. It was the only run of the game.30 Throughout the game there was remarkable fielding, including a leaping grab by Gil McDougald off a hot smash by Tommy Byrne, and a running catch by Charlie Keller on a ball hit to deep left field by Hank Bauer. Pitchers were relieved after nearly every hitter, which enabled nearly all the attendees to participate. Of the 56 players on hand, the lone non-Yankee was a recent Hall of Fame inductee, Satchel Paige. Casey Stengel was the brunt of a press-box joke attacking his wisdom: “He has DiMaggio batting third and [Tommy] Henrich fourth.”31 Tom Tresh was the youngest Old-Timer, at 32.

MICKEY’S FINAL HOMER AT THE OLD YANKEE STADIUM (1973)

Longtime Yankees broadcast Mel Allen, the author of the widely recognized home-run call “It’s going, going, gone!” announced the Yankee Old-Timers Day on August 11, 1973.32 Whitey Ford took the mound. No strange sight for Yankee fans. Into the batter’s box came Mickey Mantle. Ford and Mantle were not only former teammates and close friends, but roommates for a time.

The stadium buzz turned loud. Over 46,000 fans watched this moment unfold, future Hall of Famers and Yankees immortals squaring off.

Ford readied and wasted no time. With the count 1-and-1, Mantle took an awkward cut, topping the pitch foul. With a better swing, he hit the next offering hard, a liner foul. Ford grooved the next pitch. Mantle hit it a long way into the upper deck, but foul. George Selkirk, coaching at third base, encouraged Mantle. Mel Allen gleefully implored, “Straighten it out, Mick.” With those words still hanging in the air, Allen continued, “[The pitch is] down the alley. There it goes; going, going, gone!”33 Mantle had launched a majestic fly that landed about 25 rows back in the lower left-field stands. In his prime, that ball most likely would have reached the upper deck. Fans cheered wildly as Mantle began the familiar head-down trot around the bases. He moved more slowly now with a more pronounced limp. This was Mantle’s final homer at the original Yankee Stadium. Renovation plans had been announced, and for the next two years, the Yankees played in Shea Stadium.

The Old-Timers team was divided between the Stengels and the Houks. The Stengels included Ford, Witt, Rizzuto, Johnny Mize, DiMaggio, Hector Lopez, and Andy Carey. The Houks included Mantle, Nick Etten, Irv Noren, Howard, Vic Raschi, Allie Reynolds, and Ryne Duren.34

“BILLY MARTIN WILL RETURN” (1978)35

Just five days after “quitting,” Billy Martin was rehired to take the reins again with the start of the 1980 season at Old-Timers Day on July 29, 1978.

The theme of this game was the silver anniversary of the amazing run of five straight World Series championships (1949-1953). According to John Sterling, announcing from the radio booth, this may have been the greatest assemblage of former players. The game marked Roger Maris’s first Yankee Old-Timers event. Joe Pepitone caught fans’ attention with two batting-practice blasts into right field. After the second, he pranced around the bases in his home-run trot. Harmon Killebrew and Elston Howard smashed several batting-practice drives into the left-field seats.

After the announcements like “the crafty chairman of the board” (Ford), “the greatest switch-hitter of the game” (Mantle), and “the greatest living player” (DiMaggio), Yankees’ PA announcer Bob Sheppard, announced that manager Bob Lemon had signed a new five-year contract with the club.36 He would manage through 1979 and then work as general manager through 1983. Fans booed. Sheppard quieted the crowd with his gentle but firm voice as only he could do. “Please, please … managing the Yankees in 1980 and for many more beyond then, number 1 …” 37 Applause erupted, rocked the stadium and continued for seven minutes.38 Billy was coming back.39

ONE RETURNS, TWO REUNITED, SNUBBED EX-PLAYER SATISFIED (1982)

On August 7, 1982, introductions for the great Yankees teams ranged from some lesser-known players like Marius Russo and Ed Wells to legends occupying their customary last and next-to-last spots in the introduction order, DiMaggio and Mantle, respectively.40

There were two notable reunions at the event this year. Joe DiMaggio took the field with his brother Dom, a Boston Red Sox star who had not put on a uniform for an old-timer event since 1971. Dom declined playing in the game due to a medical problem with his eyes. The other, Ray Fisher, the oldest Yankee at the time at 94, was rolled onto the Yankee Stadium field in a wheelchair for the first time. During his career with New York, he played at Hilltop Park and the Polo Grounds, but he was banned from baseball over a contract dispute before the 1921 season. Fisher’s lifetime banishment from baseball was lifted by Commissioner Bowie Kuhn in 1980.41

Reports of the Old-Timers Game in the next day’s newspaper were brief: The American League All-Stars defeated the Yankee Stars, 2-1; Billy Pierce bested Whitey Ford; singles by Bob Allison, Vic Wertz, Steve Whitaker, and Roy Sievers produced the runs for the All-Stars, and the Yankees scored on singles by Irv Noren, Hector Lopez, and Jake Gibbs.42

Jim Bouton, a pitcher with the Yankees from 1962 to 1968, received more press with his reminiscent New York Times piece about his omission from Yankees invitees. The missed invitation stemmed from his controversial 1970 book, Ball Four, which revealed some of the players’ on- and off-the-field antics that previous writers would not dare print.43 In retrospect, Bouton felt he’d laughed last; defying baseball norms about speaking out, he was ahead of his time.

LITTLE RAY AND THE RETURN OF THE PRODIGAL YANKEE (1998)

For the 52nd Old-Timers Day, on July 25, 1998, Frank Messer, a former Yankees broadcaster who began serving as emcee for Old-Timers Day in 1988, manned the microphone. The game would feature players from the Yankees and Dodgers teams from the 1970s.44 His first two introductions were important. First, he welcomed Little Ray Kelly, who sat in the dugout on April 18, 1923, Yankee Stadium’s Opening Day, and served as Babe Ruth’s mascot until the early 1930s.45 Messer also recognized Jim Ogle, the 25-year director of the Yankees Alumni Association.46

Then, the announcement of the return of the “prodigal Yankee”; Messer welcomed back Jim Bouton, the hat-flying phenom with 21 victories in 1963. He referred to Bouton as an accomplished author. Fans roared. Bouton slyly smiled as he walked out, all the controversy from his book forgotten, thanks to a letter written by Bouton’s son Michael to the New York Times asking that the Yankees forgive his father.47

Dodgers in attendance included Ralph Branca, the pitcher who in 1951 yielded “The Shot Heard Round the World” to Bobby Thomson that gave the rival Giants the pennant. Other Dodgers there were Tommy Lasorda, Willie Davis, Steve Howe, and Tom Niedenfuer.

Mel Allen was posthumously honored as the “forever and legendary voice of the Yankees,” with a plaque in center field.48

Willie Randolph hit a walk-off homer as the Yankee Old-Timers bested the Dodgers again.

CELEBRATING A RUBY JUBILEE (2001)

On July 21, 2001, while Billy Crystal collected autographs in the dugout, the familiar voice of Bob Sheppard set the stage for the 55th Old-Timers Day celebration. He introduced the co-emcees, radio broadcasters John Sterling and Michael Kay. Sterling referred to Yankee accomplishments as magical and somewhat mythological, saying, [S]everal of the greatest moments in baseball history have been right here on this sacred field.” Michael Kay reminded the crowd that the Yankees had won four out of the last five World Series and were currently atop the AL East, meaning the fans should expect great Old-Timers Days in the future.49

Specific historical mention went to Ron Blomberg (baseball’s first designated hitter) and Rick Cerone, who was in the unenviable situation of following Thurman Munson behind the plate in the 1980 season.

After a pause to recognize the passing of former Yankees since the previous Old-Timers Day, accolades were given to Don Larsen for his 1956 World Series perfect game and to Hank Bauer, record holder for the World Series consecutive-game hitting streak (17). Then members of the 1961 Yankees were introduced. Yogi Berra and Whitey Ford received the loudest ovations. Posthumous honors were paid to Elston Howard, the first African American to play for the Yankees; and Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle, by their sons Kevin Maris and David Mantle. Mantle and Maris combined for 115 homers in 1961 in the pursuit of Ruth’s record of 60. Acgor Billy Crystal, creator of the movie 61*, described Mantle and Maris as humble but the heart and soul of the ’61 team. He imagined what Mantle would respond: “Aw shucks, Whitey won 25 games, our catchers hit 64 home runs and we had the best defensive infield in baseball. We had a pretty good year.”50

The last introductions were Reggie Jackson51 and player/broadcaster Phil Rizzuto.

POMP, COMMEMORATION, AND IMAGE (2004)

For the 58th Old-Timers Day event, on July 10, 2004, former players once again gathered from an array of eras. Player ages ranged from the not very old to the aged.

Old-Timers Day by this time had become the Yankees’ most elaborate promotional event. And with it came the need for extensive and careful planning.52 The emphasis on an Old-Timers game had lessened.

Debbie Tymon, who in 2022 was the Yankees’ senior vice president of marketing and had been with the organization for nearly four decades, has headed this effort for much of that time. She and the team spend several months on a list of tasks, including deciding the invitees and that year’s commemorations, as well as travel and accommodations, the pre-event dinner, and the post-event wrap party.

There were two honorees in 2004. Honoring Red Ruffing, a plaque was added in center field’s Monument Park. Ruffing holds the Yankee record for complete games (261).53 Ruffing had allowed the most hits as a Yankee pitcher, 2,995. Catcher Thurman Munson was also honored; August 2 marked 25 years since his death.

The Yankees provide every Old-Timer in attendance with a new uniform. “I don’t want to hear at 12:30 that day that someone has forgotten their uniforms,” explained Tymon as to why players did not bring their own.54 As of 2004, each player also received a commemorative Louisville Slugger for his participation.

Every aspect of Old-Timers Day is well-orchestrated right down to the introduction order of invitees. By 2004, Yogi Berra and Phil Rizzuto, the senior statesmen, were fully entrenched in DiMaggio’s former closing spot in the roll call. Rizzuto even mimicked DiMaggio’s over the head two-handed salute to the crowd.

On this day other Yankee greats on hand included Reggie Jackson, Don Mattingly, Bill Skowron, and Hank Bauer. Luis Sojo hammered a walk-off home run off Ron Guidry. Sojo performed his best Reggie Jackson imitation – Jackson was recovering from knee surgery and didn’t play – as he rounded the bases.55

OLD-TIMERS BID FAREWELL TO THE ORIGINAL CATHEDRAL (2008)

On Saturday, August 2, 2008, the largest contingent, more than 70 Old-Timers, including 18 for the very first time, were at the original Yankee Stadium for its final Old-Timers Day celebration. The doors to the new Yankees home opened on April 3, 2009, on the north side of 161st Street and River Avenue.56

Each of the last 16 Yankees World Series championship teams since 1947 was represented at the 2008 event by at least one player. Yankees alumni in uniform included Hall of Fame members Yogi Berra, Wade Boggs, Whitey Ford, Reggie Jackson, Dave Winfield, and 2008 inductee Rich “Goose” Gossage.57 Baseball’s all-time stolen-base leader Rickey Henderson made his first Yankee Stadium Old-Timers Day appearance. The loudest and longest welcome of the afternoon went to Willie Randolph, unceremoniously dumped as Mets manager in June.58 The standing ovation lasted several minutes.59 Lesser-known players were also on hand. One such player who had experienced a magical season in pinstripes was Aaron Small. He compiled a remarkable 10-0 record for the 2005 AL East champions. Prior to that, he had won 15 games in seven seasons. Perhaps the least-recognized player there was Mickey Klutts, a Yankees veteran of eight games from 1976-78.

The 1996 World Series winners were well represented. Tino Martinez (then a special assistant to the general manager), Pat Kelly, Jimmy Key, Graeme Lloyd, Ramiro Mendoza, Jeff Nelson, and Tim Raines were all on hand, as were other Yankees including Mike Stanley, David Wells, current pitching coach Dave Eiland, former manager Buck Showalter, and former coach Jeff Torborg. First-time attendees included Don Baylor, Tony Fernandez, Wayne Tolleson, and YES Network broadcaster Al Leiter.

The widows of five legendary Yankees were also present – Arlene Howard, widow of Elston Howard; Helen Hunter, widow of Jim “Catfish” Hunter; Jill Martin, widow of Billy Martin; Diana Munson, widow of Thurman Munson; and Cora Rizzuto, widow of Phil Rizzuto.

The greats and the ordinary gathered in uniform, each with their memories and sentiments, and said goodbye to the great stadium in the Bronx.

RALPH PELUSO was born in New York City and remains a loyal Yankees fan. Since becoming a member of SABR in 2009, he has been a contributing member of the Overlooked Legends committee. Ralph holds an MBA in finance from Bernard Baruch College and is now retired after 45 years in corporate finance and management consulting. His book 512, a fictional re-imagination based on Babe Ruth, was published in 2014. His latest work, a psychological thriller titled Back Stories, was released in November 2022. Several of Ralph’s short stories are published. He began contributing to SABR projects in 2018. Ralph trekked to Mount Everest base camp in April 2019. He serves as the literary editor for the Zebra Press, a monthly newspaper serving Northern Virginia and the DC Metro area, and writes the “Book of the Month” series. Ralph and his spouse, Janet, enjoy retirement in an active 55+ community near the Delaware beaches.

 

NOTES

1 Associated Press, “Yankee Stadium: Remembering a Baseball Cathedral,” ESPN.​com, July 3, 2008. h​ttp:/​/www.​espn.​com/e​spn/w​ire/_​/sect​ion/m​lb/id​/3472​343. Accessed December 14, 2022.

2 A great deal of information regarding Old-Timers Days at Yankee Stadium may be found at this site: h​ttp:/​/www.​ultim​ateya​nkees​.com/​oldti​mersd​ay.​htm. Date accessed October 31, 2022.

3 John Thorn, ht​tps:/​/twit​ter.c​om/th​orn_j​ohn/s​tatus​/1567​88631​74841​303​05. Accessed October 31, 2022.

4 John Drebinger, “61,808 Fans Roar Tribute to Gehrig,” New York Times, July 5, 1939: 1.

5 Robert W. Creamer, Babe: The Legend Comes to Life (New York: Simon & Schuster, 1992), 418-419.

6 Jane Leavy, The Big Fella (New York: Harper, 2018), 444.

7 Leonard Koppett, “Yankee Old Timer Fans Get a Run for the Money,” New York Times, July 11, 1971: S 1. Red Patterson was the first publicity director for a major-league baseball team, joining the Yankees in 1946. Patterson is credited with many innovations promoting fan interest during his 45-year career in professional baseball. See Ross Newhan, “Red Paterson Dies of Cancer,” Los Angeles Times, February 11, 1992: C2.

8 Sports Century: Babe Ruth Sports Century: ESPN Classic, available at h​ttps:​//www​.yout​ube.c​om/wa​tch?v​=5GkZ​Rw2​1kho. Accessed October 31, 2022.

9 Hy Turkin, “Ruth Whispers His Gratitude to Cheering Fans,” New York Daily News, April 28, 1947: 3.

10 Jim McCulley, “Ancients Turn Back Clock – 2 Inns,” New York Daily News, September 29, 1947: 43.

11 “Babe Ruth Foundation Set Up to Aid Underprivileged Youth; Famous Player Makes Initial Gift to the Organization,” New York Times, May 9, 1947: 27.

12 McCulley.

13 “25 Years of Glorious Deeds in Stadium Revived by Babe Ruth and Host of Other Yankee Stars,” New York Times, June 14, 1948: 26.

14 Joe Trimble, “Number 3 Brings Down House That Ruth Built,” New York Daily News, June 14, 1948: C17.

15 Babe Ruth’s Last Appearance at Yankee Stadium, YouTube, h​ttps:​//www​.yout​ube.c​om/wa​tch?v​=nmcj​CQNGz​DY. Accessed November 4, 2022.

16 Trimble.

17 Trimble.

18 “25 Years of Glorious Deeds in Stadium Revived by Babe Ruth and Host of Other Yankee Stars.”

19 Bonham and Borowy were still active players at the time.

20 “25 Years of Glorious Deeds in Stadium Revived by Babe Ruth and Host of Other Yankee Stars.”

21 “Old Timers Day Today at Stadium,” New York Times, August 30, 1952: S 7.

22 Dave Anderson, “Reggie a No-Show; Billy Draws Cheers,” New York Times, July 17, 1988: S3.

23 “Old Timers Day Today at Stadium.”

24 “Old Timers Day Today at Stadium.” See also “Yankee Stars Through 50 Years Thrill 41,558 at Stadium,” New York Times, August 31, 1952: S 1, 2.

25 Mark Leepson, “Of Al Schacht and a Cracker Jack Afternoon,” New York Times, October 21, 1984: S2.

26 “DiMaggio Hits One for Auld Lang Syne at Yankee Stadium,” New York Times, August 1, 1965: S1.

27 John Drebinger, “Yanks Win, 3 to 1, Tie Series; Lopat Holds Giants to 5 Hits.” New York Times, October 6, 1951: 1.

28 “New Old Timers Steal the Show,” New York Times, August 10, 1969: Sports S1.

29 “74,200 See Yankees Open New Stadium: Ruth Hits Home Run,” New York Times, April 19, 1923: 1, 15.

30 Leonard Koppett, “Yankee Old Timer Fans Get a Run for the Money,” New York Times, July 11, 1971: S 1.

31 “Yankee Old Timer Fans Get a Run for the Money.”

32 Mickey Mantle 1973 – His Last Home Run in Yankee Stadium, OTD, 8/11/1973, YouTube, h​ttps:​//www​.yout​ube.c​om/wa​tch?v​=I9fN​cMLaW​_A. Accessed October 15, 2022.

33 Mickey Mantle 1973 – His Last Home Run in Yankee Stadium, OTD, 8/11/1973.

34 Gerald Eskenazi, “Old Yankees Visit Their Past,” New York Times, August 12, 1973: Sports 1.

35 New York Daily News front-page headline, July 30, 1978.

36 On DiMaggio, see “Baseball’s Centennial ‘Greatest Players Ever’ Poll,” n​ation​alpas​timem​useum​.com, September 12, 2019, h​ttps:​//www​.then​ation​alpas​timem​useum​.com/​artic​le/ba​sebal​ls-ce​ntenn​ial-g​reate​st-pl​ayers​-ever​-poll. Accessed December 14, 2022.

37 Bob Sheppard 1978 – Billy Martin to Return as Manager Speech, 7/29/1978, YouTube, h​ttps:​//www​.yout​ube.c​om/wa​tch?v​=KQf2​BYjnk​Rw. Accessed December 6, 2022.

38 Murray Chass, “Martin Will Rejoin Yanks as Club’s Manager in 1980,” New York Times, July 30, 1978: S5 1, 3.

39 Martin never managed the Yankees in 1980. On June 18, 1979, the Yankees fired Bob Lemon after the club got off to a slow start. Martin rejoined the Yankees then. On October 29, 1979, Martin was once again fired for a fight in Minneapolis. The Martin saga continued, with Martin ultimately hired and fired five times as Yankees manager before his death in 1989.

40 1982 New York Yankees Old Timers Game (revised), YouTube, h​ttps:​//www​.yout​ube.c​om/wa​tch?v​=LPkW​AUEhV​yc. Accessed December 4, 2022.

41 Jacob Pomrenke, “A Rose by Another Name; Ray Fisher’s Ban from Baseball,” the n​ation​alast​imemu​suem.​org. January 4, 2020. h​ttps:​//www​.then​ation​alpas​timem​useum​.com/​artic​le/ro​se-an​other​-name​-ray-​fishe​rs-ba​n-bas​eball​-0. Accessed December 14, 2022.

42 Murray Chass, “Trading Dent for Mazzilli,” New York Times, August 8, 1982: S5 1, 5.

43 Jim Bouton, “Outside Looking In: An Uninvited Guest Gets Last Laugh,” New York Times, August 8, 1982: Sports 2.

44 1998-07-25: New York Yankees Old Timers Day, YouTube, h​ttps:​//www​.yout​ube.c​om/wa​tch?v​=lvGy​JT_​D5​nI. Accessed December 4, 2022.

45 Richard Goldstein, “Ray Kelly, 83, Babe Ruth’s Little Pal, Dies,” New York Times, November 14, 2001: A25.

46 1998-07-25: New York Yankees Old Timers Day.

47 Dave Anderson, “Return of the Prodigal Yankee Old-Timer,” New York Times, July 26, 1998: Sports 1.

48 1998-07-25: New York Yankees Old Timers Day.

49 2001-07-21: Old Timer’s Day – Tribute to the 1961 New York Yankees, YouTube, h​ttps:​//www​.yout​ube.c​om/wa​tch?v​=BGfu​g-​RkN​xE. Accessed December 1, 2022.

50 2001-07-21: Old Timer’s Day – Tribute to the 1961 New York Yankees.

51 Reggie Jackson becomes Mr. October during the 1977 World Series | Yankees-Dodgers: An Uncivil War, YouTube, h​ttps:​//www​.yout​ube.c​om/wa​tch?v​=DzEa​vV_Q2​9U. Accessed December 1, 2022.

52 Richard Sandomir, “Sports Business: Yankees Plan to Make Old-Timers Look New,” New York Times, July 9, 2004: D 6.

53 Andrew Marchand, “Yanks Honor Ruffing,” New York Post, July 11, 2004.

54 Sandomir.

55 Sojo Wins 2004 Old Timers’ Day with a Walk-Off Homer, YouTube, h​ttps:​//www​.yout​ube.c​om/wa​tch?v​=DH8j​4iWM​SOE. Accessed December 1, 2022.

56 Tyler Kepner, “Amenities and Expectations at Yankee Stadium Opening,” New York Times, April 4, 2009: S 1.

57 Reggie Jackson, recovering from knee surgery, did not play in the Old-Timers Day game.

58 Billy Altman, “Yankee Greats, and Not-So-Greats, Celebrate the End of Many Eras,” New York Times, August 3, 2008. Digital Access December 1, 2022.

59 Yankees Old Timers Day 2008 Willie Randolph, YouTube, h​ttps:​//www​.yout​ube.c​om/wa​tch?v​=7Qft​ffraz​T8. Accessed December 1, 2022.