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Welcome to the page for: Old Timer's Day

*Looking for images of the 1969 and the 1987 Old Timer's Day Programs.   Please contact me!   Thank you!

Old Timer's Day Information

• The New York Yankees are one of the few professional sports franchises that holds an annual "Old Timer's Day".  Old Timer's Day is a day held at Yankee Stadium, during the summer months,  to honor Yankees greats of the past.  The game is always held at Yankee Stadium and the Yankees typically invite dozens of players back, sometimes more than 50, to be honored before the start of a regular season game.

• Jim Ogle Sr. is credited by some with starting Old Timer's Day at Yankee Stadium, though it was really Larry MacPhail and Red Paterson who founded it.  It was Jim Ogle Sr. who took over the Yankees Alumni Association in 1974 and ran the Alumni newsletter, "Pinstripes" for a period of time.  "Pinstripes" was the official name of the publication that was published 4 times a year for the alumni.  He was also credited with being in charge of Old Timer's Day for approximately 25 years.  Ogle Sr. was presented a plaque during the 1999 Old Timer's Day ceremony, and was also the owner of 5 World Series rings, presented to him by the late George Steinbrenner.  Ogle Sr. passed away on January 31, 2005.

• It was George M. Steinbrenner who had the idea to create the Alumni Association for the New York Yankees.  He then gave the job of heading the alumni association to Jim Ogle Sr. knowing Ogle's desire to work for the Yankees.

• The "first" Old Timer's Day was held on September 28, 1947.  There are times when the Yankees have referred to the first Old Timer's Day as "Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day" which was held on July 4, 1939, to honor the great "Iron Horse".   The 1927 Yankees were present in 1939 at the event.  It was Larry MacPhail (the man credited with the innovations of night games, team plane travel, radio broadcasts, and employee pensions) and Red Paterson who continued the "reunion" ostensibly to honor the Babe.  It was called OTD from 1947 on.

  • Pictured here are Larry MacPhail and Red Patterson(with Mickey Mantle):

• As for the "current format", the Old Timer's split up into 2 teams and play several innings of baseball.  This "game" is held after the players are introduced and gather on the field, up and down the 1st and 3rd base paths.  This "game" is always dependent on time and weather.  It has gone unplayed or has been shortened on several occasions due to poor weather or because of time constraints.  The "game" is played for fun and for the fans.  It is a great way for fans to see their favorite old-time players take the field.  It was introduced in 1997 that first-year players such as Paul O'Neill and Scott Brosius could play in the game.

  • For example, in 1970, OTD began at 1:15pm.  The introduction of guests began at 1:15pm, by Master of Ceremonies, Frank Messer.  The National Anthem was sung at 2:00pm and the Old Timer's Game began at 2:05pm.  The Yankees versus Baltimore Orioles game began at 2:45pm.

• In the old stadium, the Yankees greats and current players shared the same locker room.  This changed, to the dismay of many, when the Yankees moved to their new stadium in 2009.  Former players have complained that they have missed dressing with the current players and vice-versa.  The locker room time was a time for the players to "connect" and to meet new players, former and present.  It was also rumored that many practical jokes were played by current and former players on each other.  One of the traditions was the hiding of Tino Martinez's shoes each year.  Currently, the Old Timer's dress in an auxiliary dressing room and then head out onto the field, though many Old Timer's find their way into the new Yankees locker room to catch up and interact with the new players.

• Old Timer's Day is now considered a "premium" game by the Yankees.  "Premium Games" are now considered by the Yankees to be Opening Day, Old Timer's Day, and all games played against the Boston Red Sox, Philadelphia Phillies, and New York Mets.  "Premium Game" tickets are usually more difficult to attain and can be priced higher than regular games.

• There is no definitive date at this time as to when the first OTD program was given out or sold at the stadium.  We do know there is a program from 1959 on. (If you know of a program before 1959, please contact me)

• Below is the watch presented to Joe Dimaggio in 1962 at OTD.  Made by Wittnauer Electro-Chron. Made in 1962. Fine and extremely rare, center-seconds, water-resistant, stainless steel electronic wristwatch with the “Yankees” logo imprint on the dial. This timepiece was presented to Joe Dimaggio on “Old Timer’s Day” July 28, 1962. The watch is seen here in the original box.  Details of the watch are: Two-body, polished, screwed-down case back engraved: Joe Dimaggio, Old Timer’s Day, 7-28-62, back with screwed-down cap for battery replacement. D. Two-tone silver with faceted steel indexes, lightning sign at 12, minute/seconds track on a plain outer reserve, Yankees logo imprint in red and blue at 3. Lightning flash steel hands. M. Electronic with tuning fork. Dial, case and movement signed. Diam. 36 mm. Thickness 14 mm.
   

• Old Timer's that are invited to the game are paid for their appearance by the Yankees.

• It was a tradition for each invited honored guest to receive a gift given by the New York Yankees.  In 1970, each guest was given a cassette tape recorder by Zenith.  The recorder was personalized with the guests' name, date, and event from K. & K. Trophy Mart of Passaic, New Jersey.

• It was a tradition for the Yankees to give each uniformed batter a gift as well.  In 1970, each uniformed batter was given a replica of his original model bat, made especially for that day by Hillerich & Bradsby Co. of Louisville, KY, makers of Louisville Slugger.  In 1970, the Stengels and the new members of the "Hall of Fame" also received color portraits of themselves, prepared by Portrait Specialists, Inc. of New York.

• Many special guests are invited to OTD.  These could include former players, Hall of Famers, wives of late players, etc.  Special guests in the past have included Mrs. Babe Ruth, Mrs. Lou Gehrig, Mrs. Casey Stengel, Mrs. Thurman Munson, Mrs. Elston Howard, and many more.

• Yankees Magazine began in 1984 and there was a monthly issue dedicated to OTD.  The first cover of Yankees Magazine featured Roger Maris and Elston Howard on the cover.

  • Here is the first Yankees Magazine to feature OTD.  It was published in 1984.

• Recently, the Yankees have handed out pins to all fans entering the game to commemorate Old Timer's Day.

  • Here is a pin that was handed out to all fans for the 2010 game versus the Rays:

  • Here is a pin that was sold outside the stadium for the 2010 game versus the Rays:

• Commemorative cachets have been created for Old Timer's Day featuring many of the players honored at Old Timer's Day. 

  • Here is a cachet honoring Johnny Blanchard on Old Timer's Day:

• There were many emcees who have had the honor of calling OTD.  They were:

• 1939 - Sid Mercer (Sportswriter)

• 1947-1964 / 1986-1988 - Mel Allen

• 1965-1967 - Joe Garagiola (Mel Allen called the game from the field in 1967 and then 1969-1985)

• 1968-1985;1989-1997 - Frank Messer (Called the game from the field 1998-1999)

• 1998-2010 - Michael Kay and John Sterling.

• Below are some photos showing Old Timer's Day from various year.  Always a great time for players past and present!

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Below are some of the covers of Old Timer's Day programs

1959


1960 - Highlights - Former President Hoover threw out the first pitch from his box seat.  He was seated with Mrs. John J. McGraw.  Joe DiMaggio hit in the first inning of the game with Harry Danning at catcher and Al Schacht was umpire.  The 1939 stars of both leagues played in the game.  There were 45,040 fans in attendance for the game.  The National League beat the American League 2-0 on this "threatening weather" day.  The greatest ovation went to Joe DiMaggio who fouled out to the catcher.   A tribute before the game was given to players who had passed away.  Those included Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Mel Ott, Frankie Hayes, Arkie Vaughan, and Morrie Arnovich.  Tony Martin sung the National Anthem that day.  The game lasted 15 minutes officially.


1961 - Highlights  - A four-page souvenir program was given out to every fan at the game.  Gates opened at 11am that day and ceremonies began at 1pm.  Some of the players highlighted on this date were Pee Wee Reese, Jackie Robinson, Phil Rizzuto, Joe Dugan, Wally Pipp, Bill Dickey, and Joe DiMaggio.  Frank "Home Run" Baker was unable to attend due to a recent heart attach he suffered at the Hall of Fame game at Cooperstown.


1962 - (Program Cover Courtesy of Bruce Alpert)


1963


1964 - (Program Cover Courtesy of Bruce Alpert)


1965



1966



1967



1968


1969 - At this point, there is no evidence that a program was made in 1969.  The game took place on Saturday, 8-9-1969.  Below is the box score from the OTD game.


1970



1971



1972


1973



1974



1975



1976



1977



1978



1979



1980



1981 - (Program Cover Courtesy of Bruce Alpert)



1982



1983


1984



1985



1986 - (Program Courtesy of Bruce Alpert)



1988 - (Program Courtesy of Bruce Alpert)



1989 - (Program Courtesy of Bruce Alpert)



1990



2013


2014






Below are some pins that were given out at the stadium on Old Timer's Day

2005


2008


2009



The 62nd Old Timer's Day held at Yankee Stadium - Invited to the game were:

Jim Abbott, Luis Arroyo, Steve Balboni, Jesse Barfield, Don Baylor, Yogi Berra, Paul Blair, Johnny Blanchard, Ron Blomberg, Wade Boggs, Scott Bradley, Dr. Bobby Brown, Homer Bush, Andy Carey, Chris Chambliss, Horace Clarke, Jerry Coleman, David Cone, Ron Davis, Bucky Dent, Al Downing, Brian Doyle, Dave Eiland, Tony Fernandez, Ed Figueroa, Whitey Ford, Oscar Gamble, Joe Girardi, Rich “Goose” Gossage, Eli Grba, Ken Griffey, Sr., Ron Guidry, Rickey Henderson, Arlene Howard (widow of Elston), Helen Hunter (widow of Jim), Reggie Jackson, Tommy John, Pat Kelly, Jimmy Key, Gene “Mickey” Klutts, Johnny Kucks, Don Larsen, Al Leiter, Graeme Lloyd, Hector Lopez, Kevin Maas, Jill Martin (widow of Billy), Tino Martinez, Bobby Meacham, Ramiro Mendoza, Gene Michael, Rich Monteleone, Diana Munson (widow of Thurman), Jeff Nelson, Graig Nettles, Paul O’Neill, Gil Patterson, Joe Pepitone, Tim Raines, Bobby Richardson, Mickey Rivers, Cora Rizzuto (widow of Phil), Buck Showalter, Charlie Silvera, Bill “Moose” Skowron, Aaron Small, Luis Sojo, Mike Stanley, Darryl Strawberry, Wayne Tolleson, Jeff Torborg, Mike Torrez, Tom Tresh, Bob Turley, David Wells, and Dave Winfield.

The 63rd Old Timer's Day held at Yankee Stadium took place on Sunday, July 19, 2009.  Introductions began at 11:45am.  The Yankees played the Detroit Tigers at 2:05pm that day.  The invitees were:

(*Denotes First-Time Old-Timer)
Luis Arroyo
Jesse Barfield
Yogi Berra
Ron Blomberg
Dr. Bobby Brown
Homer Bush
Rick Cerone
Horace Clarke
*Tony Cloninger
Jim Coates
David Cone
*Chad Curtis
Bucky Dent
Al Downing
*Mike Easler
Dave Eiland
Whitey Ford
Oscar Gamble
Joe Girardi
Rich “Goose” Gossage
Ken Griffey, Sr.
Ron Guidry
*Charlie Hayes
Arlene Howard
Helen Hunter
Reggie Jackson
Pat Kelly
Don Larsen
Hector Lopez
Lee Mazzilli
*Lindy McDaniel
Gene Michael
Diana Munson
Kay Murcer
Meredith Murray (B.P. Pitcher)
*Jerry Narron
Jeff Nelson
Graig Nettles
Joe Pepitone
Bobby Richardson
Mickey Rivers
Bill “Moose” Skowron
Aaron Small
Bob Turley
Roy White

The 64th Old Timer's Day held at Yankee Stadium on July 17, 2010 began at 2:00pm.  Below is the list of players that were invited to the game.

New York Yankees Old Timers  
(*Denotes First-Time Old-Timer)
Luis Arroyo
Mike Easler
Reggie Jackson
Joe Pepitone
Jesse Barfield
Dave Eiland
Don Johnson*
Duane Pillette*
Yogi Berra
Cecil Fielder*
Pat Kelly
Mickey Rivers
Ron Blomberg
Whitey Ford
Don Larsen
Charlie Silvera
Homer Bush
Oscar Gamble
Hector Lopez
Bill “Moose” Skowron
Rick Cerone
Joe Girardi
Lee Mazzilli
Aaron Small
Chris Chambliss
Rich “Goose” Gossage
Gene Michael
Mel Stottlemyre
Horace Clarke
Ron Guidry
Diana Munson
Ralph Terry
Jerry Coleman
Charlie Hayes
Kay Murcer
Mike Torrez
David Cone
Rickey Henderson
Jerry Narron
Bob Turley
Bucky Dent
Arlene Howard
Jeff Nelson
Roy White
Al Downing
Helen Hunter
Graig Nettles
Hank Workman*
Brian Doyle

The 66th Old Timer's Day held at Yankee Stadium on July 1, 2012 began at 2:05pm.  Below is the list of players that were invited to the game.

Full List of those Scheduled to Attend
(*Denotes First-Time Old-Timer)
Luis Arroyo
Jesse Barfield
Yogi Berra
Ron Blomberg
Dr. Bobby Brown
Homer Bush
Jerry Coleman
David Cone
Bucky Dent
Al Downing
Brian Doyle
Cecil Fielder
Whitey Ford
Oscar Gamble
Jake Gibbs
Joe Girardi
Rich “Goose” Gossage
Ron Guidry
Charlie Hayes
Rickey Henderson
Sterling Hitchcock*
Arlene Howard
Helen Hunter
Reggie Jackson
Tommy John
Pat Kelly
Don Larsen
Graeme Lloyd
Hector Lopez
Jill Martin
Tino Martinez
Lee Mazzilli
Stump Merrill*
Gene Monahan*
Diana Munson
Kay Murcer
Matt Nokes*
Paul O’Neill
Joe Pepitone
Lou Piniella
Willie Randolph
Bobby Richardson
Mickey Rivers
Aaron Small
Mel Stottlemyre
Darryl Strawberry
Tanyon Sturtze*
Ralph Terry
Joe Torre
Bob Turley
Roy White
Bernie Williams

The 67th Old Timer's Day held at Yankee Stadium on Sunday, June 23, 2013 began at 2:05pm.  Below is the list of players that were invited to the game.

Full List of those Scheduled to Attend
(*Denotes First-Time Old-Timer)
Luis Arroyo
Steve Balboni
Jesse Barfield
Yogi Berra
Ron Blomberg
Brian Boehringer
Dr. Bobby Brown
Homer Bush
Chris Chambliss
Horace Clarke
Jerry Coleman
David Cone
Bucky Dent
Brian Dorsett*
Al Downing
Brian Doyle
John Flaherty*
Whitey Ford
Oscar Gamble
Joe Girardi
Rich "Goose" Gossage
Todd Greene*
Ron Guidry
Charlie Hayes
Rickey Henderson
Orlando Hernandez*
Sterling Hitchcock
Arlene Howard
Helen Hunter
Reggie Jackson
Scott Kamieniecki*
Pat Kelly
Don Larsen
Graeme Lloyd
Hector Lopez
Jill Martin
Lee Mazzilli
Stump Merrill
Gene Michael
Gene Monahan
Diana Munson
Kay Murcer
Jeff Nelson
Paul O'Neill
Joe Pepitone
Andy Phillips*
Lou Piniella
Willie Randolph
Bobby Richardson
Mickey Rivers
Mel Stottlemyre
Mike Torrez
David Wells
Roy White
Bernie Williams


The 68th Old Timer's Day held at Yankee Stadium on Sunday, June 22, 2014 began at 2:05pm.  Below is the list of players that were invited to the game.

List of those Scheduled to Attend

*Denotes First-Time Old-Timer

Jesse Barfield

Yogi Berra

Brian Boehringer

Scott Bradley

Dr. Bobby Brown

Maggie Coleman (Widow)

David Cone

Johnny Damon*

Bucky Dent

Al Downing

Brian Doyle

John Flaherty

Whitey Ford

Jake Gibbs

Joe Girardi

Rich "Goose" Gossage

Ron Guidry

Charlie Hayes

Rickey Henderson

Orlando Hernandez

Arlene Howard (Widow)

Helen Hunter (Widow)

Reggie Jackson

Scott Kamieniecki

Pat Kelly

Don Larsen

Graeme Lloyd

Hector Lopez

Jill Martin (Widow)

Tino Martinez

Hideki Matsui*

Lee Mazzilli

Stump Merrill

Gene Michael

Gene Monahan (Trainer)

John Montefusco*

Diana Munson (Widow)

Kay Murcer (Widow)

Jeff Nelson

Paul O'Neill

Joe Pepitone

Andy Phillips

Willie Randolph

Bobby Richardson

Mickey Rivers

Joe Torre

David Wells

Roy White

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Here is a great shot from 8-8-1959 at Old Timer's Day at Yankee Stadium.

Some of the players below are Bill Dickey, Joe DiMaggio, Frank Baker, Rogers Hornsby, Bill Terry, Dizzy Dean, Paul Waner, Frankie Frisch, Zach Wheat, and Joe McCarthy

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Thank you to Paul Doherty for much of the history on Old Timer's Day.  He has every program from 1960-1983! (except 1969)