The Candidates for Monument Part, Part 3
by James Vlietstra
*** Al Downing, P (79-years-old) Was an All-Star once during his nine years with the Yankees. He ranks in the top 35 in most pitching categories. First Yankees to throw an Immaculate Inning. Grade: 3
Joe Dugan, 3B Spent 7 years as a Yankees and won 3 World Series. Grade: 2 Brett Gardner, OF (37-years-old) Has played his entire 13 year career with the Yankees. He has been an All-Star, Gold Glove winner and World Series winner. His ranks range from the teens to mid 30s in almost every offensive category. Of course, he still might play in 2021. Grade: 7
Jason Giambi, 1B (49-years-old) Spent 7 years as a Yankees. 3 time All-Star, Silver Slugger winner, and a Comeback Player of the Year. Top ten in OBP, SLG, and OPS. Grade: 3
Joe Gordon, 2B Member of the Hall-of-Fame. Spent 7 years as a Yankees. A 6 time All-Star, won 4 World Series and an MVP. Had exactly 1,000 hits in 1,000 games. Mostly ranks within the top 40 of most categories. Traded for Allie Reynolds. Grade: 5
Clark Griffith, P/Mgr Member of the Hall-of-Fame. Played for the Yankees for 5 seasons and managed for a 6th. Grade: 2
Rickey Henderson, OF (61-years-old) Member of the Hall-of-Fame. Spent 5 years as a Yankees. Was an All-Star four times and won a Silver Slugger Award. Ranks second All-Time in Stolen Bases. His rates for getting on base and scoring are much higher than typical for his at bats total. Grade: 5
Tommy Henrich, OF/1B Spent his entire eleven-year career with the Yankees. Was a five time All-Star. Won 5 five World Series. Ranks in the top 25 in WAR, OPB, SLG, OPS, Runs, Total Bases, Doubles, Triples, HRs, Walks, and RBI. Was known as “Old Reliable.” Grade: 7
Orlando Hernandez, P (55-years-old) Spent six years as a Yankees and won 3 World Series during his time. He fled Cuba to pitch in the MLB. Was a huge post-game pitcher. Grade: 3
Waite Hoyt, P Member of the Hall-of-Fame. Spent 10 years as a Yankees. Won 3 World Series. Top 10 in WAR, Wins, IP, Starts, and Complete Games. Grade: 8
