Biography

A short bio from the Helmar “This Great Game” card back: The other “Old Blue Eyes” in New York, Edward Ford grew up on 34th Avenue in Queens, trained from a young age to root for the Yankees. His favorite ballplayer was Joe DiMaggio, who later became his teammate. Originally tried out at Yankee Stadium as a first baseman, but an astute scout noticed Edward’s strong arm and pointed him to the hill. Ford earned his nickname from his first professional manager, former Yankee hurler Lefty Gomez, who called Edward by the name “Whitey” on account of his white-blonde hair. Had quite a year in 1951: was married in spring training, and only three days later he tossed out the first pitch on opening day at Yankee Stadium before reporting to the U.S. Army to serve in the Korean War. Throws three primary pitches: fastball, curve, and slider, as well as one that’s not in the rule book: the spitter.

Cards Featuring This Player