Yankees 2016 Old Timers’ Day Roster Announced

This week the Yankees announced the roster for the 70th annual Old Timers’ Day scheduled for Sunday June 12 at Yankee Stadium. The game is a must-see celebration of Yankee history every season. This year’s group features an impressive five Hall of Famers, including Whitey Ford, Goose Gossage, Rickey Henderson, Reggie Jackson, and Joe Torre.

A number of former Bombers will be making their debut appearance at the yearly event, including 1996 World Series MVP John Wetteland, who served as Yankees closer prior to Mariano Rivera. Another key contributor to the 1996 championship squad, second baseman Mariano Duncan, will be making his first appearance as an Old Timer. Duncan’s career season was a big part of the team’s 23rd World Series title, as he batted an impressive .340/.352/.500, forcing his way into the starting lineup with his strong performance.

Rounding out the cast of OTD rookies are Bubba Crosby and Eddie Robinson. Crosby is probably best remembered as the guy Brian Cashman insisted would be the team’s starting centerfielder before coming to his senses and signing Johnny Damon. Robinson played first base for New York from 1954-1956. At 95, he holds the distinction of being the oldest living Yankee.

Some of the other notable names taking part in this year’s game include a number of key contributors to the late 90’s/early 2000’s dynasty. Paul O’Neill, David Cone, Bernie Williams, Ramiro Mendoza, Jeff Nelson, and Homer Bush were all giants during my most impressionable years of baseball fandom. Bucky Dent and Don Larsen, authors of two of the most memorable moments in Yankee history, will also be present.

The only absences that stick out are the members of the Core Four, but I’m sure as the years go by and they are further removed from their playing days, that group will be more open to returning to the field.

The 2015 Old Timers’ Day featured a ceremony honoring the contributions of legendary second baseman Willie Randolph, including the dedication of a new plaque for Monument Park. In addition, the team surprised former ace and longtime pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre with an unannounced and very moving commemoration. The beloved Yankee statesman, now aged 74, has been battling multiple myeloma since 1999, making the moment extremely emotional for all involved.

Gates to the stadium open at 10:00 am to ticket holders and festivities are expected to begin at 11:30. Following the game, the modern-day Yankees will take on the Detroit Tigers at 2:05 pm. The whole day will be broadcast on YES.

Below is the complete list of those expected to attend according to the team press release:

Jesse Barfield
Brian Boehringer
Scott Bradley
Dr. Bobby Brown
Homer Bush
David Cone
Bubba Crosby
Bucky Dent
Al Downing
Brian Doyle
Mariano Duncan
John Flaherty
Whitey Ford
Oscar Gamble
Joe Girardi
Rich “Goose” Gossage
Ron Guidry
Charlie Hayes
Rickey Henderson
Arlene Howard (widow)
Helen Hunter (widow)
Reggie Jackson
Scott Kamieniecki
Pat Kelly
Don Larsen
Graeme Lloyd
Hector Lopez
Jill Martin (widow)
Hideki Matsui
Lee Mazzilli
Ramiro Mendoza
Stump Merrill
Gene “Stick” Michael
Gene Monahan (Trainer)
Diana Munson (widow)
Kay Murcer (widow)
Jeff Nelson
Paul O’Neill
Joe Pepitone
Lou Piniella
Willie Randolph
Mickey Rivers
Eddie Robinson
Tanyon Sturtze
Ralph Terry
Marcus Thames
Joe Torre
John Wetteland
Roy White
Bernie Williams