0205 - Bobby Richardson
Bobby Richardson is a Yankees legend who played 2B for the team from 1955-1966. During our conversation, he referenced a handful of things and people upon which you may want to do more research. Consider this page to be your “liner notes” for the episode so you can follow along.
Bobby Richardson and me after recording our interview at his home in Sumter, South Carolina
Bobby and His Sisters
Inez on the left, Ann on the right, growing up in Sumter, South Carolina
Stan The Man
Musial’s beautifully legible autograph made quite an impression upon a young Bobby Richardson
American Legion
The Sumter, South Carolina American Legion team. Bobby is in the front row, 4th from the left.
Young Bobby
Bobby showing off his fundamentals, already ingrained in him at the age of 14.
The Pride of the Yankees
Gary Cooper starred as Lou Gehrig in this early biopic about the sad ending to one of baseball’s great careers.
Spud Chandler
A former Yankee, himself, Spud Chandler was the scout who discovered Bobby Richardson for New York and pushed for the club to sign him.
Proud Parents
Bobby’s parents couldn’t have been more proud of their son when he signed with the Yankees the day he graduated from high school.
Norfolk Tars
Bobby played for Manager Mickey Owen (left) during the 1953 season as a member of the Norfolk Tars.
The 1953 Olean Yankees. Bobby is in the middle row, second from the left.
Frankie Crosetti
An act of kindness from Yankees coach Frank Crosetti, a former player in his own right, helped ease the nerves during Bobby’s first ever workout at Yankee Stadium.
A Simple Gesture
Mickey Mantle went out of his way to make Bobby feel welcomed when he was called up to the big leagues. That began a friendship that would last the rest of their lives.
Newlyweds
Bobby and Betsy were married in June of 1956, during the minor league season, much to the chagrin of Bob Howsam, the owner of the Denver Bears, for whom Bobby was playing at the time.
Ralph Houk
Bobby’s favorite manager during his career, Ralph Houk managed Bobby in Denver, then later on for the Yankees. Houk eventually became the GM of the Yankees while Bobby was still playing. They rose through the ranks with each other, and were lifelong friends, with Bobby speaking at Ralph’s funeral at the request of Ralph’s child.
Gil McDougald
Bobby was called up to the majors after Gil McDougald was hit by a line drive off the bat of teammate Bob Cerv during batting practice in 1955.
Ironically, it would be a line drive off of McDougald’s bat that hit Herb Score in the head which would eventually lead to the downfall of his own career.
Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle
One of these men was not thrilled about having to take this photo. Can you guess which one?
Trick question! Neither of them liked this.
Joe hated the fact that Mickey was supposed to “replace” him, fearful that his legacy would not be remembered. Mickey hated the fact that Joe was so cold to him as he was coming up. All he wanted was Joe’s respect.
“The Milkshake Twins”
The Yankees were lucky to have such a steady double play combination for nearly a decade straight. Tony Kubek at Short, and Bobby Richardson at Second.
Clete Boyer
The only reason Clete Boyer doesn’t have a trophy case full of Gold Glove Awards is because he played during the same time as Brooks Robinson, but Boyer was an absolute superstar defensively at the hot corner.
Frank Robinson
Only twice did Bobby Richardson miss double plays because of being hit by the runner. Both times, coincidentally, were when Frank Robinson came in with a hard slide. This instance, pictured here, ended with Bobby receiving 5 stitches when Frank slid into Bobby’s ankle.
Moose Skowron
Bill “Moose” Skowron promised Bobby $500 at the beginning of each season they played together if Bobby would catch all of the popups hit to the right side of the infield during the year.
Bobby held up his end of the bargain. Moose owes him $3,000.
Billy O’Dell
Brooks Robinson (left) and Billy O’Dell did what they could to help Bobby get his average up to .300 on the last day of the 1959 season.
O’Dell was from the upstate of South Carolina, went to Clemson, and was quail hunting buddies with Bobby.
1960 World Series
Bobby set the all-time World Series record with 12 RBI during the 1960 World Series against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Game 3
In the third game, alone, Bobby had 6 RBI, which is still the most RBI by one player in a single game in World Series history.
Celebrating a Record
Mickey Mantle, Bobby Richardson, and Whitey Ford celebrate Bobby’s record-setting performance after Game 3. Luckily, Casey Stengel didn’t say “Hold that gun!” as Bobby walked up to the plate with the bases loaded in the 1st inning.
Roger Maris
Bobby Richardson and Elston Howard greet Roger Maris at home plate after Roger hit his 60th home run of the 1961 season.
Bobby Richardson, Mickey Mantle, and Roger Maris
61*
Barry Pepper as Roger Maris in Billy Crystal’s movie 61*
1962 MVP Race
Mickey Mantle won the MVP Award after the 1962 season, but even he said that Bobby Richardson deserved to win it.
Here is Bobby (left) and Tony Kubek (right) admiring the award with Mickey in the locker room.
Willie McCovey lines out to Bobby Richardson for the final out of the 1962 World Series.
The Yankees celebrate after Bobby’s Series-clinching catch to win Game 7 of the 1962 World Series. Notice Bobby (center, in back) without his hat on, and the umpire (right) with it in his hands.
Start the video at 1:34 to see the bottom of the 9th, including Willie Mays’ double, and the relay between Roger Maris and Bobby Richardson which saved the series.
1964 World Series
Bob Gibson dominated everyone in the Yankees lineup during the 1964 World Series, except Bobby Richardson. Bobby went 7-14 against Gibson in the series, and collected 13 hits overall against St. Louis. It is still the most hits by one player in a single World Series in history.
Sandy Koufax
Bobby says Sandy Koufax was the toughest pitcher he ever faced. His results from Game 1 of the 1963 World Series seem to back up that assertion.
“The Voice of God”
Bob Sheppard’s announcing became part of the unique atmosphere at Yankee Stadium.
The Organ
After seeing the success the Mets had earlier in the season by adding an organ to their in-game experience at Shea, the Yankees decided to add one themselves later in 1965. Toby Wright was the original organist for the Yankees.
Old Timers Games
Tris Speaker (left) and Ty Cobb at an Old Timers Game at Yankee Stadium in the 1950s.
April 9, 1965
Mickey Mantle hits the first indoor home run in the history of the world during the first ever exhibition game at the Astrodome.
Ball Four
Despite its controversy at the time, with baseball commissioner Bowie Kuhn's attempts to discredit it and label it as detrimental to the sport, Jim Bouton’s Ball Four is considered to be one of the most important sports books ever written
Mazeroski’s Walk-off
A rarely-seen photo of the aftermath of Bill Mazeroski’s walk-off home run which ended the 1960 World Series, you can see Yankees Pitcher Ralph Terry (#23) and Bobby Richardson (foreground) literally walking off the field in defeat.
Maris’ 61st
October 1st, 1961. The final game of the regular season. Maris breaks the Babe’s single-season record with his 61st home run of the year.
Curtain Call
Even though Roger didn’t want to, Bobby and some of the other Yankees pushed Maris out to take a curtain call for the fans after he hit his record-breaking 61st home run in the 1961 season.
Early Retirement
When Sports Illustrated heard that Bobby Richardson and Tony Kubek were planning to retire together, they sent a photographer to get some shots for the article. This photo still proudly hangs in Bobby’s home today.
A Growing Family
Bobby and Betsy had a growing family, which was reason enough for him to want to retire.
Gold Glove
Bobby won five consecutive Gold Glove Awards, one each from 1961-1965.
Bobby Richardson Day at Yankee Stadium, September 17, 1966
Bobby Richardson Day
Some of the items given out at Yankee Stadium on September 17, 1966, in celebration of Bobby Richardson Day.
Media Coverage
Bobby and his family were featured in a newspaper article the following day, as well.
Old Timers Day
Another great day with his teammate and lifelong friend, Yogi Berra.
Coaching at USC
After Paul Dietzel courted him for years, Bobby finally became the head baseball coach at the University of South Carolina in 1970.
Earl Bass
Earl Bass went 34-3 for the Gamecocks from 1972-75, going 12-1 in 1974 and 17-1 in 1975, earning first team All-American honors in each season. He still holds USC records for career ERA at 1.34, shutouts (10) and strikeouts (392).
Not Just Teammates
Bobby and his teammates shared lifelong friendships that carried well beyond the field of play. They might have all been different, but they were a team.
Here are some of the 1963 Yankees:
(top row, left to right) Elston Howard, Whitey Ford, Mickey Mantle, Tony Kubek
(bottom row, left to right) Bobby Richardson, Yogi Berra
Ralph Houk
Houk was Bobby’s favorite manager. “A player’s manager.”
Casey Stengel
Casey Stengel is one of baseball’s most interesting characters. His personality, and managerial style, definitely rubbed some people the wrong way.
Bill Dickey
With a .313 lifetime batting average, nearly 2,000 career hits, and more than 200 career home runs as a Catcher for the Yankees, Bill Dickey knew a thing or two about hitting, and about what you should be looking for from a pitcher when you’re in the batter’s box. His guidance helped Bobby Richardson have one of the best years of his career.
Hank Small
Bobby says one of his players, Hank Small, is the best collegiate baseball player he’d ever seen.
“He reminded me so much of Mickey Mantle. He had the power. He could run. The only difference was Mantle was a switch-hitter. But Hank didn’t need to be (a switch-hitter) because he could hit to all fields.”
The Original Yankee Stadium was a place unlike any other. 1923-2008.
Lou Gehrig Memorial Award
Bobby accepts the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award in 1963
#1
Bobby wore the number 1 for the majority of his career.
Unceremonious Exits
A number of Yankee greats have left the team (or been forced to leave) on less-than-good terms. Yogi Berra, Lou Piniella, Bucky Dent, Billy Martin, Dallas Green, Dick Howser, Bill Virdon, Billy Martin, Stump Merrill, Billy Martin, Bob Lemon, Billy Martin, Gene Michael…
Bob Costas
Watch his full eulogy at Mickey’s funeral HERE
Bobby’s Eulogy for Mickey
Watch the full video HERE
God’s Hall of Fame
One of Bobby’s favorite poems, he has recited it multiple times over the course of his life and career. One of the most famous recitals came at Mickey’s funeral.
A Gift From The Mantles
Given to Bobby after Mickey’s funeral
Presented To Bobby Richardson
You Enriched Dad’s Life And Soul
With Your Presence Those Last Days.
With God’s Love And Eternal Light, We Thank You.
THE MICKEY MANTLE FAMILY
1931 - 1995
Teammate In The True Sense
1963 Dream Team
The best players at each position in all of Major League Baseball, Bobby made the cut in 1963.
Ted Williams
Bo Sox asked Ted Williams NOT to give Richardson any more hitting tips before a Red Sox - Yankees game
Enjoying It Tremendously
While there were certainly some struggles, Bobby is still incredibly grateful for his career and all of the opportunities it brought him.
Public Speaking
Bobby has been lucky enough to speak all over the country, and all over the world.
Mickey at USC
Bobby (left) welcomed his old friends, Whitey Ford (second from left) and Mickey Mantle (third from left) to South Carolina to speak with the team when he was head baseball coach at USC. Whitey gave some pitching tips, and Mickey gave some batting instruction.
Turning Two
Jerry Coleman taught Bobby how to turn the double play at second base. Bobby then became one of the best double play men in the history of baseball.
Bobby and His Dad
Due to poor health in his later years, Mr. Richardson only saw Bobby play one game in person in Bobby’s career. While Bobby normally played Second Base, the one game his dad saw was one where Bobby played Third Base.
Bobby and Betsy
If you want to reach out to Bobby, you can email him at bobby.betsy@gmail.com
He also did give his phone number out, but I edited that out. You’re going to have to work for that one!
Bobby Richardson Baseball Complex in Sumter, South Carolina
A Great Honor
This plaque greets every visitor to the Bobby Richardson Baseball Complex immediately upon their entry
Close Up
Bobby may not like the hair, but the plaque is great, and an amazing tribute to Sumter’s favorite son.
In Bobby’s Own Hand
This saying is etched in the concrete at the foot of the base which holds the plaque shown above.
The Richardsons
At The SJJM
Bob Bolin (left) and Bobby Richardson tour the Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum and Baseball Library in Greenville, South Carolina at its grand opening on June 21, 2008.
Summer of 2005
After finally getting the right tickets, we made our way inside to see Derek Jeter and the Yankees take on the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. What a day.
A Deep Bond
Roger Maris and Bob Cerv were not only teammates, they were friends and roommates. Here they are in the summer of 1960, each celebrating the recent births of their children.
Kid, I Lived It
He was there. I’m jealous.
A Beautiful Signature
Bobby’s autograph is wonderfully legible, all thanks to an interaction he had with Stan Musial when he was 12 years old.
Evading Danger
After being spiked once or twice, you learn to get out of the way of the runner who’s barreling down on you, trying to break up the double play.
Peanuts cartoons following the 1962 World Series
What He Did, Not Who He Is
Bobby’s playing career is just a small part of his life, which has helped keep him grounded all these years.
Here is the Richardsons’ 1966 Christmas card with their children (left to right) Christie, Jeannie, Ron, and Robby.
Pretty Good
Bobby might not think of himself as a superstar, or someone worth writing to all these years later. But I’ve got news for you, Mr. Richardson… you were, and you are.
Showing Me Around
Bobby was incredibly generous, inviting me into his home and showing me all of his memorabilia.
Reminiscing
Going through a scrapbook of photos from Bobby Richardson Day, remembering the incredible honor it was to have that day at Yankee Stadium.
The Bobby Richardson Story
Published in 1965, this book is a first-person autobiography that tells Bobby’s story in life and in baseball, up to that point.
Impact Player
Published in 2012, in this book, Bobby shares his life story, including never-before-told tales from the Yankee clubhouse during the historic 1955-1965 pennant runs and World Series appearances.
Bobby’s Grand Slam
In the 1st Inning of Game 3 in the 1960 World Series, Bobby Richardson shocked the world. And himself.
The flight of Bobby’s grand slam, and all of the players on the field at the time.
A Good Start
Pretty nice to have a grand slam on the board after one inning in a World Series game.
Bobby finished the game with 6 RBI, a World Series record which still stands.
1958 World Series Game 4
Check out the box score from this game, which was the only game Bobby’s dad ever saw him play in person.
Here, Red Schoendienst slides into Third Base (being covered by Bobby Richardson) after a triple.
Some other websites I accessed while doing research for this interview with Bobby Richardson:
https://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=richabo01
https://issuu.com/luyearbook/docs/lu_1988/119
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhiOov_fPjE