The Minnesota Twins have handed Mike Ford a fresh chance, signing him to a minor league deal with an invite to big league Spring Training. It’s like finding that old band tee you loved in high school—a little worn, but still cool enough to rock.
Back in 2019, Ford swaggered onto the big league stage with the Yankees and became an instant Bronx legend, kind of. Fans liked him, he had his moments and it worked for a bit. He wasn’t just hitting home runs he was doing the little things. In 50 games, he clobbered 12 homers and put up numbers that made seasoned sluggers do a double-take. Yankee Stadium’s short porch might as well have had his name on it.
For a hot minute, Mike Ford was everything Yankees fans didn’t know they needed. He was fun. He was the kind of guy who made you believe anything was possible—at least until the baseball gods decided to remind everyone that this game is as humbling as it gets. By 2020 and 2021, Ford’s bat cooled off, and the Yankees eventually sent him packing to the Rays for cash. Yeah, not exactly a ticker-tape parade, but hey, that’s baseball.
Fast forward to now, and Ford is still grinding, still chasing that big league dream. And honestly? Good for him. Baseball needs guys like Mike Ford—the underdogs, the surprises, the guys who can come out of nowhere and drop a clutch bomb just when you think you’ve seen it all.
So, here’s to Mike Ford. His time in the Bronx was a riot, and it’s awesome to see him still out there taking his hacks. Who knows? Maybe his Twins chapter will have its own wild moments. Whatever happens, one thing’s for sure: the ride’s been worth it, every swing of the way.
--Alvin Izzo
BYB Yankee History Contributor
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