This week we asked our writers:
Which Yankee(s) who will not be present do you most wish to see at Old Timer's Day?
Here are their responses:
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Lincoln Mitchell - The first thought that came to my mind was Sparky Lyle and I am sticking with that thought. Lyle was a wonderful pitcher and the kind of character who might bring some fun to the event.
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Paul Semendinger - Graig Nettles. Where has he been? Why is Nettles not at Old Timers Day?
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Mike Whiteman - The two glaring omissions from my perspective are Dave Winfield and Dave Righetti.
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James Vlietstra - I gotta say from the list that Brian Hoch published, I am very disappointed in the lack of attendees at the Yankees Old Timers Day ceremony this year. The team has always done a terrific job in honoring their past players. However, this year there’s only 23 coming. This is out of hundreds that are alive.
Of the 17 living Hall Of Famers that once wore pinstripes, only one will be there. No Gaylord Perry, no Reggie Jackson, no Dave Winfield, Wade Boggs, Rich Gossage, Rickey Henderson, Joe Torre, Bobby Cox, Randy Johnson, Ivan Rodriguez, Tim Raines, Lee Smith, Mike Mussina, no Derek Jeter, no 2022 inductee Jim Kaat. Only Mariano Rivera.
They could celebrate the 70th anniversary of the 1952 World Series championship and its lone survivor Art Schallock.
They could celebrate the 60th anniversary of the 1962 World Series championship and the 12 living members: Jack Cullen, Bud Daley, Al Downing, Billy Gardner, Jake Gibbs, Tony Kubek, Hector Lopez, Joe Pepitone, Jack Reed, Bobby Richardson, Rollie Sheldon, and Lee Thomas.
Matt Holliday and Andruw Jones, both Yankees alumni whose sons went 1-2 in the first round of this year’s amateur draft.
I for one would rather have more players there than fewer. Celebrate them now while they are still with us.
Surprise a Bill White with a much overdue plaque in Monument Park.
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Ethan Semendinger - My two favorite players ever - Hideki Matsui and Ichiro Suzuki.
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Tim Kabel - Wow. There are so many players I would like to see.
Bobby Abreu
Melky Cabrera
Johnny Damon
Hideki Matsui
Phil Hughes
Joba Chamberlain
Sparky Lyle
Darryl Strawberry
Orlando Hernandez
Dave Righetti
Tommy John
Jimmy Key
Mike Mussina
Paul O’Neill
Mike Stanton
Derek Jeter
Jorge Posada
Roger Clemens
Reggie Jackson
Scott Brosius
Wade Boggs
Andy Pettitte
Charlie Hayes Jacoby Ellsbury (On second thought, he might get hurt)
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Cary Greene - Two words, one name. Derek Jeter! I imagine he's still struggling with being an old-timer though!
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Ed Botti - From the Mid to late 80’s teams I would like to see, of course Don Mattingly, but he has a day job. From his teammates I would like to see Rickey Henderson, Mike Pagliarulo, Dave Righetti and Dave Winfield.
From the 90’s teams it would be great If Jeter and Posada made an appearance. Mike Stanley and Jimmy Key would also be great to see.
Going back a little earlier into the 1990's, Kevin Maas.
Bobby Abreu?????
might be interesting to see if he's become a better defender since he pretended to be one in Yankee Stadium.
what I remember seeing was a guy who played right field as well as Andujar played 3B
How about members of the 1977 team that broke the last championship drought.? Roy White, Chris Chambliss, Lou Piniella, Reggie to name a few.