Former Yank Henrich dies
New York, NY (Sports Network) - Former New York Yankees star outfielder Tommy Henrich passed away on Tuesday morning. He was 96.
Henrich began playing for the Yankees in 1937 when he left in 1950 he was a five-time All Star and a member of seven World Series Championship teams.
"Tommy was a darn good ballplayer and teammate," said former teammate Yogi Berra. "He always took being a Yankee to heart. He won a lot of championships and did whatever he could to help us win. Being around Tommy made you feel good, whether playing cards or listening to him sing with that great voice. He was a proud man, and if you knew him, he made you proud too."
Over his 11 season in the majors, all with New York, he was a career .282 batter with 269 doubles, 73 triples, 183 home runs and 795 RBI. Prior to the Yankees' 1942 World Series loss vs. St. Louis, he joined the United States Coast Guard and missed three additional full seasons serving during World War II.
"I am saddened by the loss of Tommy Henrich, who was truly one of my personal favorites," said commissioner Bud Selig. "Tommy was a wonderful Yankee known for his professionalism and for his many contributions in big games throughout his All-Star career, which spanned three different decades. 'Old Reliable' was beloved by his Yankee teammates and played on seven World Championship teams. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my deepest sympathy to Tommy's family and friends."