Monument Park and Yankees History – The Candidates, Part 8 and Conclusion
The Candidates for Monument Part, Part 8 and Conclusion
by James Vlietstra
*** Tom Tresh, IF/OF Spent 9 years as a Yankee. Was a 3-time All-Star. Won Rookie of the Year, a Gold Glove and a World Series. Most ranks are in the top 50 on the Yankees all time. Grade: 3
Bob Turley, P Spent 8 years as a Yankees. 2-time All-Star. Earned two World Series wins including a World Series MVP. Cy Young winner. Grade: 3
Del Webb, Owner Was co-Owner for 20 years. The Yankees won 10 World Series during his tenure. Grade: 4
George Weiss, GM Member of the Hall-of-Fame. Spent 29 years in the front office: 16 years as Farm Director, 13 years as GM. The Yankees won 15 World Series during this span. Grade: 10
Bill White, Announcer (86-years-old) Spent 18 years as the Yankees announcer along side Phil Rizzuto. Became President of the National League. One of baseball’s best people. Grade: 6
Roy White, OF (76-years-old) Played his entire 15 year career with the Yankees. Won 2 World Series. Was an All-Star twice. Top 20 in WAR, Games, Runs, Hits, Total Bases, Doubles, RBI, Walks, Singles, and Stolen Bases. Grade: 10
Dave Winfield, OF (69-years-old) Member of the Hall-of-Fame. Spent 9 years as a Yankees. Was an All -Star each of those seasons. Earned 5 each of Gold Gloves and Silver Sluggers. Most offensive ranks are top 35 in Yankees’ history. Grade: 9
Gene Woodling, OF Played 6 seasons with the Yankees. Won 5 World Series. Grade: 2
Don Zimmer, Coach Was the Bench Coach for 10 years. The Yankees won 4 World Series during this time. Grade: 4
CONCLUSION:
In summary, there are 15 players that earned grades of 8 or better in my rankings. Of these, I believe Roy White, Graig Nettles, and John Sterling should be honored immediately, along with the Magic Moment Group.
Next should be a reunion with Dave Winfield. This should have happened long ago. It is now time.
Bill White should also be honored while he’s still alive.
I would then look to honor some of their deceased icons like Earle Combs, Frank Crosetti, Tony Lazzeri, Bobby Murcer, Gene Michael, Waite Hoyt, and George Weiss all who are very deserving of this honor.
By then Alex Rodriguez, Brett Gardner, CC Sabathia, Robinson Canó , and Michael Kay will be overdo.
Regardless of the exact order and personnel, the Yankees have several members of their organization that are worthy of having their careers celebrated in Monument Park. It is past time for them to receive these honors.
The time is now!
