After a pandemic, Yankees resume their annual Old-Timers’ Day

NEW-YORK (AP), — Old-timers’ day returned to Yankee Stadium Saturday, the first time in a while 2019..

This time, it was a bit different. New York Yankees cancelled the playful reunion because many of those in attendance were recovering from different operations. John Sterling and Michael Kay, the emcees, read lengthy biographies about each honoree. A short video was shown on the scoreboard.

“Unless there was an influx of younger people, I don’t know if they can still play. Ron Guidry laughed. But, I think they could have it (the game), so the audience would be thrilled. We’ll just have to wait and see over the next few years .”

The 33-minute pregame ceremony featured many familiar faces – Guidry, Bernie Williams and David Cone, along with Yankees spouses Joan Ford (wife of Whitey), Jill Martin (wife of Billy), Diana Munson (wife of Thurman) and Kay Murcer (wife of Bobby). Arlene Henley, Elston Howard’s spouse, also transmitted a video message.

Perhaps as important as the Yankee legends who were there was the long list of people that weren’t. Wade Boggs and Rickey Henderson were among the fan favorites who would be signing autographs at the National Sports Collectors Convention, Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Williams was greeted with loud cheers and chants, while the ever-popular Mickey Rivers ran in center field to loud applause. In the past, the players would walk to the infield by running from their home dugout. But this year they made the long trek from Monument Park’s centerfield tunnel.

Aroldischapman made a comeback from the New York bullpen in order to embrace Luis Sojo at the pre-event media sessions. The ceremony’s second half was marked by a few players from the Royals and Yankees who leaned onto the dugout.

” I remember being a player here and getting the chance to meet all these men at Old-Timers Day,” Williams stated. I met Mickey Mantle and Whitey Ford. They were able to be contacted behind closed doors at the clubhouse. Although things may have moved a bit in the past, I believe the spirit remains the same .”

The first game without Bobby Brown was the . Brown was the one who saw the first Old-Timers Day in 1947 at the dugout. He died March 25, 2021..

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