Whitey Ford

Edward Charles "Whitey" Ford (born October 21, 1928) was a Major League Baseball pitcher.

Related Topics:
October 21 - 1928 - Major League Baseball - Pitcher

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A native of New York City, Ford was signed by the New York Yankees as an amateur free agent in 1947. He was given the nickname "Whitey" while in the minor leagues for his blond, almost white, hair.

Related Topics:
New York City - New York Yankees - 1947

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He began his Major League Baseball career on July 1, 1950, with the Yankees. In 1951 and 1952 he was out for military service, but he rejoined in 1953, and in that year, the Yankee "Big Three" pitching staff became a "Big Four," as Ford joined Allie Reynolds, Vic Raschi, and Eddie Lopat. Eventually he went from the #4 pitcher on a great staff to the universally-acclaimed #1 pitcher of the Yankees. To honor his acheivements on the mound the Yankees retired his #16 uniform number (he had worn #19 in 1950, but from 1953 on wore the number 16). In 1955, he led the American League in complete games and games won; in 1956 in earned run average and winning percentage; in 1958, in earned run average; and in both 1961 and 1963, in games won and winning percentage. In 1961 he won the Cy Young Award. He played his entire 16-year career as a Yankee, retiring in 1967.

Related Topics:
Major League Baseball - July 1 - 1950 - 1951 - 1952 - 1953 - Allie Reynolds - Vic Raschi - Eddie Lopat - 1955 - American League - 1956 - Earned run average - Winning percentage - 1958 - 1961 - 1963 - Cy Young Award - 1967

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He was elected to baseball's Hall of Fame in 1974 with his longtime pal and Yankee teammate Mickey Mantle.

Related Topics:
Hall of Fame - 1974 - Mickey Mantle

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Whitey's ability to remain calm during high pressure situations earned him an additional nickname, "The Chairman of the Board."

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