Remarkable to realize that during the late 1940s and '50s, two of New York's second basemen -- both destined for the Baseball Hall of Fame -- wore #42. While the number is deservedly synonymous with Jackie Robinson, who proudly wore it for the Dodgers, across town it also belonged to Jerry Coleman. The talented and modest Yankee, who met Babe Ruth while a minor leaguer, played alongside DiMaggio and Mantle in the Bronx and, served our country proudly in two wars, died Sunday at 89.
One of my personal highlights of covering Yankees Old Timers Day has been to spend time chatting with Jerry, taking in a few baseball stories, hearing his wonder at the sparkling new ballpark that replaced the Yankee Stadium where he'd played and worked, but mostly marveling at someone so happy in his life. Spending more than 70 years in the game, he made his mark alongside some of the greatest players ever -- then described subsequent generations of stars behind his microphone. Always with a smile, a warm word, a friendly greeting, Jerry Coleman was an ideal ambassador for baseball. I hope Casey Stengel and his fellow Yankees of that post-war dynasty welcome him warmly to heaven.
As a fan, you might get to meet a few players. As a broadcaster, I've been fortunate enough to cross paths with many more -- with Jerry ranking among the very best of the bunch.
Comments
Besides being a genuine American Hero, he appears to have lived his life as a selfless and generous gentleman.