Oldest Living Yankee
by Mike TWith the passing of Tommy Henrich, the oldest living Yankee (according to Elias Sports Bureau) is Virgil Trucks, who played his final major league season with the Yankees at age 41 in 1958, playing in 25 games. He came over mid-season from the Kansas City Athletics and pitched 39 1/3 innings in relief, going 2-1 with a 4.54 ERA. (for KC he had an ERA of 2.05 in 16 games). He spent the majority of his career with Detroit. Born April 26, 1917, Virgil Trucks is 92. Â
I don’t really think he should be included in the “oldest living Yankee” discussion. That would be like 50 years from now someone saying that Todd Zeile was the oldest living Yankee because he played 66 games with the Yankees in 2003.
Based upon my review and my opinion, the oldest living “Yankee” is Ralph Houk. Born August 9, 1919 (90 years old), and played his entire career for the New York Yankees (albeit as a backup to Yogi).  He took over the managerial role from Casey Stengel in 1963. Served as Yankees Manager from 1961-63 and 1966-73. From 1963-1966 he served as Yankees General Manager. Although Houk is the one who fired Yogi in 1964.Â
I challenge anyone else to find an older living “Yankee”.
3 comments December 03 2009 11:43 am | Mike T | Discussion |
Virgil Trucks was the uncle of drummer Butch Trucks, original and still current member of the Allman Brothers Band. Butch in turn is uncle to current lead guitarist Derek Trucks of the band.
For this reason Virgil gets extra brownie points and deserves the honor of most recent “Formerly Oldest Dead Yankee.” (I know, that’s not correct logic). But it gives me a “FODY” acronym, that has a nice ring to it.
Every now and again you meet someone who just “knows too much”. John S., my dear friend, with this Virgil/Butch/Derek Trucks – Allman Brothers reference… you qualify.
By the way, Virgil Trucks is one of the “best Baseball Names” in MLB history; right up there with Early Winn, Trot Nixon and Razor Shines
Other great Baseball names…..Sparky Lyle, Mickey Mantle.