The fact that Mike Ford has only been limited to two games and five plate appearances during the 2020 MLB season speaks volumes about the New York Yankees‘ depth regarding offense, specifically first base and designated hitter options.
And he certainly has the talent to play, at least, on a semi-regular basis for virtually any club. After all, the Yankees’ unsung slugger hit 12 home runs in just 163 plate appearances last season, with a solid .259/.350/.559 line and a 134 wRC+. This year, he is at .333/.400/.333 in the extremely limited sample size.
New York Yankees’ skipper Aaron Boone is a fan of Ford. If it weren’t for the excess of talented hitters on the team, he would surely play more. However, as a left-handed power bat off the bench (who makes an occasional start), capable of taking a walk, he has a role with the Bombers, and it suits him.
“There’s nowhere I’d rather be,” Ford said. “Obviously a situation with playing time might be a little bit better here and there, but this is where I want to be. This is what I grew up loving. To be able to lock in that clubhouse with caliber of players we have and learn from them, even being 28, who knows what can happen in your career?”
A big Yankees family
Despite the pandemic, Ford says he has enjoyed his time with the Yankees this year and it has provided an opportunity to get to know talented teammates, but better individuals.
“It’s been nice to just kind of be around the guys [on the team] a little bit more, get to know people a little bit more, which I think will be the positive that comes out of the year — especially being a guy that hasn’t been here as long,” Ford said.
Ford is just happy to be playing baseball, even if there are no fans in the stands. However, he sure misses the Yankees’ crowds in home games.
“I derive a lot of my pleasure out of making fans’ days, making fans happy and hearing that roar,” Ford said. “That’s a huge part of the game for me, so it’s definitely strange, but it’s still Major League Baseball and you’re still facing some really good arms. It’s something you’ve got to be really laser-focused on and I think we’re doing a pretty good job.”