The Greatness of Yankees Old-Timers' Day

The New York Yankees know how to honor their history.  Their annual Old-Timers' Day is the best in sports, celebrating the stars from their past.  This Sunday was another day to remember with the return to pinstripes of Joe Torre and Bernie Williams. 

As a kid, the Old-Timers ceremony was an opportunity for me to see Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Whitey Ford, Yogi Berra, Phil Rizzuto, and so many other lengendary Bronx Bombers I never otherwise had a chance to see play ball live before. 

Growing up, Old-Timers' Day allowed me to see my heroes from my childhood back on the field again -- Reggie Jackson, Dave Winfield, Don Mattingly, and all the rest.  Seeing Lou Pinella back in Yankee uniform on Sunday in the new stadium was a thrill and watching "Louisiana Lightning" Ron Guidry throwing from the mound again was fantastic.

The greatest part is seeing the "younger" players take their place as a new generation of "old timers" -- Bernie Williams hitting a double; David Cone pitching to Tino Martinez who blasted a home run. 

Even though they're past their athletic prime, even though it's just an exhibition, it's a treat to watch them on the baseball diamond again and recall their glory days.  Someday soon, even current captain and shortstop Derek Jeter will be part of the Old Timers, making us remember the journey he had from a bright-eyed, talented rookie to a champion veteran aiming for 3,000 hits as a Yankee. 

Old-Timers' Day brings the past, present, and future together for fans of all ages and (pardon the pun) never grows old.