Open Thread: A Tribute To Old Reliable

I am far too young to remember the days of Tommy Henrich, but Old Reliable sure has a special place in the hearts of so many Yankee fans. The following poem was written by lifelong Yankee fan Joe Ribando, Sr., and was sent is to us by his son Joe Jr.

A Tribute To Old Reliable
by Joe Ribando, Sr.
December 2, 2009

Sad news was heard on this December day
Tommy Henrich has passed away.
A Yankee great of the past, as the story is told
He left this earth at 96 years old.

Why remember a player of days long ago
When teams played hard, not just for show?
When traditions were built on the field so green
Rooted in guts and drive, and skills oh so keen.

A great player in April, June and September
But his post season record will long be remembered.
Mickey Owens dropped strike in the series of ’41
The batter?  Yes Henrich, he was the one.

Or perhaps it was the classic of 1949
When Tommy hit the walk off homer, the first ever, so fine!
To four series rings he helped bring to fruition
Adding to the lore and mystique of Yankee tradition.

Thirteen seasons in pinstripes, part of so many great teams
To be a Yankee for life is as great as it seems.
Even better is the respect bestowed by your peers,
Of their confidence in you as a player and a man without fear.

As time moves on few fans remember the past
Of the paths that were paved and honors so vast.
But the biggest honor of all, a title undeniable
Is to be known forever as the great Yankee, “Old Reliable.”

R.I.P., Tommy.

* * *

Here’s your open thread for the night. The Knickerbockers are in Orlando, and The Quest For 0-82 returns home to face the Mavericks. Anything goes, just be nice.