Edward “Whitey” Ford was one of the greatest pitchers in the history of the MLB, and he is regarded as the best Yankee pitcher of all-time. Edward “Whitey” Ford was born in Queens, New York and grew up a Yankee fan. His early boyhood trips to Yankee Stadium inspired him to be a big league baseball player.

Edward “Whitey” Ford began his playing career in 1947. He was given the nickname “Whitey” because of his blond hair and blue eyes. Ford made his major league baseball debut in 1950. As a rookie, Ford made his first contribution to the Yankees winning the title. He won an unbelievable 9 straight games in the heat of a wild pennant race, helping the Yankees win the title.

In 1951 and 1952, Edward “Whitey” Ford served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He rejoined the Yankees in 1953 where he became part of the Yankees “Big Four”, joining Allie Reynolds, Vic Rasche and Eddie Lopat as the top pitching staff in the majors.

Edward “Whitey” Ford eventually became the ace of the Yankee pitching staff. In 1955, he led the league in complete games and games won. In 1956, Ford led the league in earned run average and winning percentage. Ford continued his brilliant career and in 1961 and 1963, he led the league in wins and winning percentage, which made him an easy choice for the Cy Young award in 1961. Ford could have won more games (236) in his career, but his long time manager Case Stengel only liked Ford to pitch against the good teams, never giving a start against weaker teams in the league.

Because of Ford’s ability to control games, catcher and teammate Elston Howard gave him the nickname, “Chairman of the Board”. Ford earned another nickname, this time he was called “Slick” by manager Casey Stengel, who thought he was a city slickster that loved partying and women.

Even though Ford was big time pitcher, he made his mark during the World Series, where he was the opening pitcher 8 times. For his career, Ford earned ten World Series victories, more than any other pitcher. In 1961, he broke one of Babe Ruth’s most cherished records. He went 29 2/3 innings without allowing a single run, very impressive.

Ford retired in 1963 after realizing his arm was no good for pitching anymore. In 1974, he and his best friend Mickey Mantle were both elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame and in August of 1987, the Yankees honored him by erecting a monument in Ford’s name. His plaque read ” One of the greatest pitchers ever to step on the mound”, and that’s why he was the Chairman of the Board.

- John A. Roberts

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Tags | Baseball, baseball hall of fame, baseball players who were in military, Casey Stengel, Chairman of the Board, Cy Young Award, Cy Young winner, Edward "Whitey" Ford, Hall of Fame, Korean War, Mickey Mantle, Slick, Yankees Pitcher