If Your Birthday is February 23rd...

...you share it with Elston Howard.  The Yankees' first Black player became one of the most respected and beloved members of the Stengel/Berra dynasty.  While it can't be overlooked that the Yankees were one of the last teams to integrate, the man who broke that barrier was both a terrific talent and fan favorite, taking over for Yogi as the club's catcher and in 1963, making history as the first African-American to be named American League MVP.  

The first Black coach for the Yankees, he was both a respected teacher and a calming influence during Billy Martin's tenure as manager.  Go back and check the video of Martin's infamous dugout confrontation with Reggie Jackson.  Ellie is the person standing between them, trying to prevent an ugly moment from spiraling even further out of control.  Had Howard not fallen ill and died young from a heart infection, odds are that he likely would have become the first Black man to manage the Yankees.  His number 32 is retired in Monument Park, near those of his teammates and friends such as Mantle, Maris and Ford.

Elston Howard remains an unforgettable Yankee.  Someone who made a great team even better.

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