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BRONX, NY - OCTOBER 1961: Whitey Ford #16 of the New York Yankees makes a pitch for during the World Series against Cincinnati Reds at Yankee Stadium on October 1961 in Bronx, New York. (Photo by Focus On Sport/Getty Images)

On this day in Yankees history – Whitey Ford’s debut

On July 1, 1950, a pitcher by the name of Edward Charles Ford made his debut on the mound for the Yankees. He gave up five runs on seven hits and six walks in 4 2/3 innings of relief against the Red Sox at Fenway. He would come to be known as “Whitey”, and become the winningest pitcher in franchise history.

A native of Astoria in the borough of Queens, Ford was drafted by the Yankees as an amateur free agent in 1947. He put his playing career on hold from 1951-52 to serve in the Signal Corps branch of the Army during the Korean War. His service didn’t keep him from playing ball though, as he played 20 games as a pitcher and 20 as an outfielder while enlisted. He returned to the Yankees in 1953, where he stayed until 1967.

“Army life was rough. Would you believe it, they actually wanted me to pitch three times a week.”

Whitey got his nickname while in the Minor Leagues because of his light blonde hair. He is also known as the “Chairman of the Board” for his ability to remain calm and in control in high pressure situations. Billy Martin, Mickey Mantle and Casey Stengel also called him Whiskey Slicks, leading to his other nickname of “Slick.”

He won 236 games in his 16 years in pinstripes, which is still the team record. He was also the club’s strikeout leader until Andy Pettitte passed him in 2013. He won six World Series championships, was a 10 time All Star, a Cy Young Award winner and World Series MVP. In 1974, he was elected to the MLB Hall of Fame as well as having his number 16 retired by the Yanks.

In 1987, he received a plaque in Monument Park. It reads: Led the Yankees to 11 Pennants and six World Series championships. Leads all Yankee pitchers in games, innings, wins, strikeouts and shutouts. Cy Young Award winner in 1961. Holds many World Series records including 33 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings.

The Chairman of the Board is one of the greatest pitcher in Yankees history, and it all started 68 years ago today.

“I don’t care what the situation was, how high the stakes were. The bases could be loaded and the pennant riding on every pitch, it never bothered Whitey. He pitched his game. Cool. Craft. Nerves of steel.” -Mickey Mantle