Why New York Yankees Eyes Smiling on St. Patrick´s Day

St. Patrick´s Day is a time for all Irish eyes to be smiling. But some special New York Yankees Irishman have extra reason to be happy. That is because of their induction into or their  consideration from The Irish American Baseball Hall of Fame.

This Years nominees include Whitey Ford and  former Yankees manager Joe McCarthy. McCarthy won seven world series between 1931 and 1946. The Hall recognizes players, executives, journalists and entertainers of Irish descent.

The Yankees are already well represented in the  Irish Hall. Paul O´Neill was elected in 2009. O´Neill, who was nicknamed ¨The Warrior¨ by George Steinbrenner, played the game with the grit and determination expected of a true Irishman. Later he became a knowledgeable color commentator for the YES Network.

John Flaherty, who had a 27 game hitting streak for the Yankees in 1996, is also an inductee. He also has spent time as a commentator for Yes Network.

In 2012 Gene Michael, Jeff Nelson and Wee Willie Keeler were inducted. Keeler was challenged by Pete Rose during his quest to break Joe DiMaggio´s 56 game hitting streak.

Other members of the Hall include Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman, and trainers Gene Monahan and Steve Donohue. Sportswriters Red Foley, Jimmy Breslin and Ed Lucas are also members. Foley, who wrote for both the New York Daily News and the NY Post, was the official scorer for ten world series. He also was the official scorer for the 1977 All Star game at Yankees Stadium. Lucas has covered the Yankees and the Mets for four decades.

So when those pipes are blowing and those kilts are marching, the Yankees can be content in knowing that they have had their share of Irishman who have made a positive impact on Major League Baseball. So as you are eating your corned beef and cabbage, take a moment to raise your green beer in their honor.