Posted By:
Ted ZanidakisBart Delsing
I was an avid Yankee fan when your Dad join them in 1949. I was only
10 years old at the time and I remember him batting pretty good that
year; although, with likes of Joe DiMaggio, Henrich, Lindell, Bauer and
Mapes in the outfield your Dad didn't get much playing time. I think he
batted .350.
Another thing I remember is your Dad's uniform number....#54, because it
was the highest # on the team and I didn't think the #s went that high.
And, I do recall that in the spring of '50 your Dad was traded to the
St Louis Browns along with other players. I remember this quite well,
since one of those players traded with your Dad was one of my favorites,
George "Snuffy" Stirnweiss. Let me tell you, I was one upset 11-year old.
I didn't understand this; and, in your Dad's case he started off hitting at
a clip of .400 (in about a dozen games). And, a Left-Handed hitter at that
in Yankee Stadium. So, after all these years can you tell me why they, the
Yankees, did not give him more of a chance ?