Legendary left-handed pitcher and coach who won 236 games, including 10 World Series championships with the New York Yankees, earning him the nickname "The Chairman of the Board".
Edward Charles "Whitey" Ford, nicknamed the Chairman of the Board, is an American professional baseball pitcher who played his entire 16-year Major League Baseball (MLB) career with the New York Yankees. He is renowned for being a 10-time All-Star and six-time World Series champion, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history.
Ford's impressive career with the Yankees spanned from 1950 to 1967, with a two-year hiatus to serve in the United States Army during the Korean War. During his time with the team, he led the American League (AL) in wins three times and in earned run average (ERA) twice. He is the Yankees franchise leader in career wins (236), shutouts (45), innings pitched (3,170.13), and games started by a pitcher (438, tied with Andy Pettitte).
Ford's exceptional performance earned him numerous accolades, including the Cy Young Award in 1961 and the World Series Most Valuable Player Award in the same year. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974, with the Yankees retiring his uniform number 16 in his honor. In 1987, a plaque was dedicated to him in Monument Park, recognizing his immense contribution to the team's success.
Ford set numerous World Series pitching records, including consecutive scoreless innings (33.23), wins (10), games started (22), innings pitched (146), and strikeouts (94). These records attest to his dominance on the mound, earning him the respect of his peers and opponents alike.
After retiring as a player, Ford went on to serve as the Yankees pitching coach in 1964 while still an active player and from 1974 to 1975. He also served as the team's first base coach in 1968, further solidifying his connection to the franchise.
Ford was born in Manhattan on October 21, 1928, and moved to the Astoria neighborhood of Queens at the age of five. He attended public schools and graduated from the Manhattan High School of Aviation Trades. In 1951, he married Joan at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Astoria, and they lived a fulfilling life together.
In the wake of Yogi Berra's death in 2015, Ford was hailed as "The Greatest Living Yankee" by George Vecsey of The New York Times. Ford passed away on October 8, 2020, at the age of 91, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of baseball.
| Birthdate: | October 21, 1928 |
|---|---|
| Death: | October 8, 2020 |
| Career: | 1950-1967 |
| Team: | New York Yankees |
| World Series Championships: | 6 |
| All-Star Appearances: | 10 |
Ford's remarkable career and achievements have cemented his place as one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history, earning him a permanent spot in the hearts of Yankees fans and baseball enthusiasts alike.
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A left-handed pitcher with 219 wins, five World Series championships, and a strong postseason record, known for his clutch performances and durability.
