By Amir Said
The last Yankees game has been played at Yankee Stadium. Certainly not any new news and certainly not any welcomed news by me. But the closing of Yankee Stadium has me thinking about something else: great black Yankee ball players, who cease to get much mention. Hence, I've decided to salute these past greats on Blame The Critic.
The first name and image that comes to mind is Elston Howard. In 1954, Howard played in the Toronto Maple Leaf's minor system. He broke into the majors in 1955, after being traded to the New York Yankees. As a catcher, Elston Howard would have difficulty getting playing time. Ahead of him at catcher was another Yankee legend, Yogi Bera. Still, Howard's talent was too good to remain on the bench. So for his first five seasons, he found time as a first baseman and outfield back up. Elston Howard finally got his chance to start at catcher in 1960, taking over everyday catching duties from Yogi Bera.
Elston Howard played 12 season for the New York Yankees (1955-1967), being voted to the All-Star team 9 consecutive times. In 1984, the Yankees retired Howard's uniform #32 and dedicated a plaque in his honor. Today Elston Howard's plaque stands in Monument Park at Yankee Stadium.
Comments