REMEMBERING ANDY CAREY 1931-2011

To many of you, Andy Carey is just another name. To my friend David, and too many fanatical Yankee fans, he was a very special ballplayer. Andy Carey was part of the New York Yankees in the 1950's, a third baseman and batted in a lineup consisting of Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, Moose Skowron and Hank Bauer. He was part of teams that won 4 American League Pennants and 2 World Series Championships... not too shabby.

Andy Carey was a very special New York Yankee and in 1954, he had his best season, batting .302 in 122 games. Yesterday's New York Times had a special nugget about Carey that I didn't know. It reads:

"Carey played a key role in one of baseball’s landmark games. He twice helped preserve the only perfect World Series game, pitched by Don Larsen against the Dodgers on Oct. 8, 1956. In the second inning, the Dodgers’ Jackie Robinson smacked a shot between third and short that Carey knocked down, allowing Yankees shortstop Gil McDougald to pick up the ball and nip Robinson at first. In the eighth, he robbed Gil Hodges by snaring a low line drive that seemed headed for left field."
Sadly, Andy Carey died at the age of 80 of Lewy body dementia. It's a sad day in Yankee baseball. It's a sad day for my friend David as well. For me personally, it was important we gave Andy a place in Bleeding Yankee Blue memory, for all you guys who remembered him and for all you young fans who are about the learn about him. Thanks for the memories Andy, our prayers are with your family.

A salute to Andy Carey.

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