Whitey Ford

Whitey Ford was a Hall of Fame MLB pitcher who played his entire career with the New York Yankees and was known as 'Chairman of the Board'. He was a key player on a Yankees team that won six World Series championships.

Baseball Player

October 21, 1928

October 08, 2020

91

Edward Charles “Whitey” Ford, born on October 21, 1928, in Queens, New York, was a renowned professional baseball player who dedicated his entire 16-year career to the New York Yankees. As the “Chairman of the Board,” Ford was a leading pitcher of his time and played a vital role in the team’s triumphs throughout the 1950s and 1960s. With the Yankees, he secured six World Series championships and was selected for the All-Star team 10 times. Ford’s remarkable career also featured a Cy Young Award in 1961 and multiple instances of leading the American League in victories and earned run average.

Ford also authored a memoir, “Slick: My Life in and Around Baseball,” which delves into his career and experiences. In 1974, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, cementing his reputation as one of the greatest pitchers in the history of the sport. Ford’s influence on baseball persisted even after his retirement.

An intriguing aspect of Whitey Ford’s life is his enlistment in the United States Army during the Korean War. While serving, he played baseball for the Army team, which eventually caught the attention of the New York Yankees and launched his professional career. This experience not only sharpened his pitching abilities but also fostered a profound sense of patriotism and love for his country.

Whitey Ford passed away on October 9, 2020, leaving a lasting legacy as one of the most beloved and successful pitchers in the history of baseball.