The Yankees’ first Old-Timers’ Day in 1947 set a precedent with a game featuring some of baseball’s most legendary figures. Lefty Gomez, Wally Pipp, and Earle Combs took the field for the Yankees, while icons like Ty Cobb and Cy Young played on the opposing team. A particularly poignant moment came when Babe Ruth, then 53 and in his final year of life, made an appearance to greet fans and acknowledge the 25,000 spectators at the original Yankee Stadium.
This event established a beloved tradition that continued uninterrupted until 2019, with countless Yankees legends returning to the Bronx to play in the annual game after their retirement. Icons like Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, Whitey Ford, and Reggie Jackson were regular participants, making Old-Timers’ Day a cherished event for both players and fans.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 disrupted this long-standing tradition. Since then, Old-Timers’ Day has returned, but without the game that so many former players and fans treasured. Instead, the event now consists of player introductions followed by an on-field Q&A session, a change that has left some attendees yearning for the past.
At Saturday’s Old-Timers’ Day at Yankee Stadium, this revised format was once again on display. Michael Kay introduced 34 former Yankees, along with the widows of franchise legends Thurman Munson, Bobby Murcer, and Billy Martin, to a crowd that was only partially filling the stadium. As Suzyn Waldman and Joe Girardi kicked off the Q&A session, focusing on the 15th anniversary of the 2009 championship team, many fans opted to leave their seats for concessions, highlighting the lack of engagement compared to the games of previous years.
CC Sabathia, a former Yankees pitcher with Hall of Fame potential, voiced his disappointment over the absence of the traditional game. He shared that he had reached out to the Yankees organization, advocating for the game’s return, even suggesting that a softball game could bring back some of the excitement and nostalgia that fans have come to expect.
Sabathia’s remarks resonate with many former players and fans who miss the old format, underscoring a sense of disconnect between the current event and the expectations of those who fondly remember the way Old-Timers’ Day used to be.
Why no Yankees Old-Timers’ Game? Is Jeter responsible?
The Yankees halted the traditional Old-Timers’ Day game in 2020 due to the pandemic, and in recent years, it has been replaced by a Q&A session.
The shift from the game to the current format was a decision made by Debbie Tymon, the Yankees’ senior vice president of marketing, who oversees the planning of Old-Timers’ Day.
Rumors have been circulating among former Yankees players that the organization is particularly eager to have one old-timer at the event above all others. Speculation suggests that Derek Jeter, who recently turned 50, may be hesitant to attend if a game is part of the festivities. The rumor implies that Jeter might prefer to avoid playing and doesn’t want to be questioned about sitting out while others take the field.
When asked about the absence of a game in the current Old-Timers’ Day format, former Yankees pitcher David Cone expressed clear disappointment.
Cone was also questioned about the rumor that Jeter could be the reason for the game’s discontinuation. He admitted to hearing such speculation through media channels but emphasized that he had not received any direct confirmation from Jeter or the event’s organizers.
“Hearing it from the media” that Jeter is responsible, but “I’ve never heard it from Jeter or the people who run this,” Cone told.
While Cone remains uncertain about the truth behind these rumors, he suggested that it might be worthwhile for other former players to address the matter directly with Jeter. The pitching legend also noted that many of the Yankees’ old-timers are enthusiastic about the idea of bringing the game back to Old-Timers’ Day.
Jeter refutes allegations
During a press conference following Saturday’s on-field festivities, Derek Jeter addressed the rumors linking him to the discontinuation of the Old-Timers’ Day game. When asked about fans’ desire to see him and Alex Rodriguez take another turn at bat, the ex-Yankees captain was clear in his refusal, citing concerns over the risk of injury as his primary reason for not participating.
Jeter firmly denied any involvement in the decision to cancel the game, emphasizing that he does not hold the authority to make such calls, contrary to some speculations. The Yankees legend redirected questions about the game’s status to Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner, suggesting that such decisions are made at the highest levels of the organization.
When further questioned about the rumors of his influence, Jeter dismissed the idea, asserting that he was being given far more credit than he deserved regarding the matter.
“You’re giving me way too much power,” he said. “That’s not saying the reason there’s no game is because I’m not playing. I don’t make those decisions, contrary to your belief. I don’t make those decisions when it comes to whether there’s a game or not. So why are you asking me? You can direct [that question] to Hal [Steinbrenner].”
“You’re not going to see me hit again. No. I’d be afraid I’d hurt myself. But that’s not the reason there is no game because I’m not playing. I don’t make those decisions contrary to your belief.”
Jeter’s comments come after his first appearance at Old-Timers’ Day last year, following his departure from the Miami Marlins’ front office. His remarks sought to clarify his role and dispel any misconceptions about his involvement in the decision-making process concerning the event, addressing the speculation that had been circulating among Yankees fans and former players.
Sabathia wants a Yankees Old-Timers’ Game
CC Sabathia, donning his iconic No. 52 Yankees jersey and showing off a leaner physique, joined the celebration of the 2009 World Series team on Saturday. Despite his enthusiasm for the event, he voiced his dissatisfaction with the absence of the traditional Old-Timers’ game.
Sabathia reiterated his wish to see the game return, expressing that it would be a joy to see former teammates back on the field, even in a less competitive softball format.
“My cutter is ready. Well, it’s ready for these guys,” Sabathia joked. “I play catch, I have a 14-year-old, and he pitches, so I play catch with him and throw him BP, as good as I can. I told them I wanted to play the game. We’ll see [for the future], but I think it would be fun to get these guys back out there moving around, even if it’s a softball game.”
Conversely, Jorge Posada, at 54, was less enthusiastic about the idea. He humorously described waking up with unexplained aches and pains, attributing them to the physical demands of aging. Posada, acknowledging Sabathia’s better fitness, suggested that while Sabathia might still be up for a game, he himself preferred to avoid the pressures of performing at a high level post-retirement.
Posada recounted a recent, less-than-stellar attempt at softball, stating that he supported the decision to omit the game, opting instead to enjoy the event without the physical demands of play.
When asked further about the game’s status, Jeter deflected, pointing out that such decisions are made by the Yankees’ higher-ups and that he does not have a role in these decisions.
Cone fondly recalled the camaraderie and enjoyment these games provided, noting that his last appearance featured a home run from Matsui shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic halted the tradition. He also mentioned an earlier home run by Martinez, highlighting the fun of these games.
While acknowledging the logistical and health challenges that have impacted the game’s continuation, Cone remained hopeful about its return. He playfully offered to pitch easy balls to former teammates like Jorge Posada, reflecting his desire to see the tradition revived despite practical obstacles.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
I definitely miss the Old Timer’s Day game. I have watched it since the 70s & it was a family tradition. Being an avid Yankees Fan, I always looked at it as a great history lesson. I really wish they would bring the tradition back. Thank you, Joanne Ippolito
The game has been played for years. If these guys don’t want to play, let them be introduced and then sit down and let others play. This stuff is getting ridiculous. Play the damn game!
They are worried about being hurt? It really is pretty sad that athletes, not just baseball players, have no idea why they are obnoxiously wealthy, playing a child’s game.
please bring back the old timers playing a game Jeter go home if you don’t want to play
I am 70 years old am crippled with scoliosis and I would go out and play a few innings
I agree something was missing from this year’s game. The static image of them sitting, the echo-y audio made for a boring onsite event. Yes—I was among those who went to the store during most of the interviews. They were definitely more interesting when I watched the replay later. I missed the physical swags that always made the stadium look special and was surprised at the empty seats. I thought there had not been nearly enough buildup for an event honoring our last WS team. I hope they will find a way to make it the really special event it used to be