Hall of Fame Yankees pitcher Whitey Ford dies at age 91

Former Yankees pitcher Edward Charles “Whitey” Ford passed away on Thursday night at the age of 91.

Ford played in parts of 16 seasons with the Yankees from 1950-1967. He made 438 starts (498 total appearances) in his career, going 236-106 with a 2.75 ERA (3.26 FIP). The left-hander made ten All-Star appearances, won six world championships, and claimed the 1961 Cy Young Award—the same year he won the World Series MVP. He was enshrined in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974.

Nicknamed the Chairman of the Board, Ford’s postseason success shined brightly. He logged 146 innings in the playoffs, pitching to a 2.71 ERA (2.69 FIP). He missed out on the 1951 and 1952 World Series runs, as he spent those years serving in the Army.

Fans remember Ford for his presence on the mound, and perhaps his most notable performance, in Game Four of the 1961 World Series, when he tossed five scoreless innings on three days rest. He had previously thrown a complete game shutout in Game One.

A staple at Old-Timers Day, Ford brought long-time fans back to an era of unrivaled success, and introduce a new generation to Yankees history. “I consider myself very lucky to have made my living in baseball,” he told reporters. And fans were lucky to have him in pinstripes.

Our thoughts are with the Ford family today, as well as his many fans across baseball. Go win the whole thing for Whitey, Yankees.