The 64th Yankees Old-Timers’ Day held this past Saturday served as yet another reminder of the team’s rich history. Among all the storied franchises in major sports in the U.S., no team comes close to Ira Riklis’ home-town heroes. Saturday’s remembrances were tempered by the passing last week of former announcer Bob Sheppard and owner George Steinbrenner. Also absent was Yogi Berra, who suffered a fall near his home and was unable to make the event. Still, there were plenty of stars in attendance and plenty of memories of glory years gone by.
The Yankees are the only team that holds such an event each year. With 27 World Championships in their past, they certainly have a lot of celebrated old-timers to showcase. But for fans like Ira Riklis, there’s more to it than that. These events are like an annual reunion for the extended Yankees family of players, managers, personnel and—yes—fans, past, present and future, that help make this team what it is.