In light of New York Yankees legend Mariano Rivera‘s ascension into the Hall of Fame via unanimous vote, February 2 is a great day for Hall fans, and by logical extension for Yankee fans. To start with, Babe Ruth was inducted into the very first class this day in 1936. He was joined in this by Ty Cobb, Honus Wagner, Christy Matthewson, and Walter Johnson.
Yankee Pitching:
Yankee pitching greats from both sides of the plate were voted into the Hall on February 2 also, with righty Waite Hoyt (in 1969) and Lefty Gomez (in 1972). Hoyt went 157-98 with 28 saves for the Bombers; Gomez 189-101.
Yankee Managing:
Also, the Yankee skipper under whom the World Championship magic began received the honor on February 2 when Miller Huggins (12 seasons, six pennants, three titles) was tabbed posthumously in 1964. And rounding out the Yankee perspective, two Hall of Fame hurlers with other clubs who finished their careers in the Bronx were also voted in on February 2. Stan Coveleski (215-142, mostly with Cleveland) was voted in with Hoyt in 1969. And Burleigh Grimes (270-212, much of it with the Brooklyn Dodgers) accompanied Huggins in ’64.
What’s My Line?
TV Game Show What’s My Line? premiered on February 2, 1950, with the Scooter, Phil Rizzuto, as the first mystery guest.
Comings and Goings
Six-time All-Star and longtime Yankee broadcaster Bill White were named National League President on February 2, 1989. And on February 2, 1998, Yankee GM Bob Watson announced his resignation. Bob had replaced Stick Michael in November 1995, and would be replaced with current GM Brian Cashman.
Earth Rotations Around the Sun
Although he has paltry baseball credentials, George Halas (1895) is certainly the most famous of seven Yankee players born on February 2. The legendary football coach and owner played his only major league baseball season with the Yankees in 1919, patrolling the outfield. He had two hits in 22 at-bats during 12 games, with no homers or rbi’s. He is joined by Pat Clements (1962); Dale Murray (1950); Wes Ferrell (1908), who posted a 193-128 record in the bigs, but only 2-2 with the Bombers in 1938 and 1939; Ray Demmitt (1884); Jack Reed (1933); and Scott Erickson (1968).