Hall of Famer and Yankees Legend Whitey Ford Dies at Age 91

Hall of Famer and Yankees legend Whitey Ford has died at the age of 91.

Hall of Famer Edward Charles "Whitey" Ford has died at the age of 91, the Yankees announced on Friday.

The team said Ford died Thursday night at his Long Island home in Lake Success, N.Y. surrounded by family and watching the Yankees beat the Rays in Game 4 of the ALDS. 

"I feel like there was some comfort in that," manager Aaron Boone told reporters.

Ford spent his entire 16-year career in the Bronx from 1950 to 1967 and ranks as one of the greatest all-time left-handed pitchers in MLB history. In 1961, arguably his best season, Ford led the majors with a 25–4 record and was named World Series MVP after the Bronx Bombers beat the Reds. He capped off his incredible season by winning his only Cy Young Award. 

The Yankees are incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of Hall of Famer Whitey Ford. Whitey spent his entire 16-year career as a Yankee. A 6x WS Champion and 10x All-Star, The Chairman of the Board was one of the best lefties to ever toe the rubber. He will be deeply missed. pic.twitter.com/2KDi4V9SeA

— New York Yankees (@Yankees) October 9, 2020

Two years later, Ford went 24–7 to help the Yankees claim another pennant. He helped lead New York to 11 American League pennants and six World Series championships, including in his rookie season when New York swept the Phillies. Nicknamed Chairman of the Board, he was also a 10-time All-Star and two-time ERA champion. 

The World Series record book is crowded with Ford's accomplishments. His string of 33 consecutive scoreless innings from 1960-62 broke a record of 29 2-3 innings set by Babe Ruth. Ford still holds records for World Series games and starts (22), innings pitched (146), wins (10) and strikeouts (94).

Ford, who would have turned 92 on Oct. 21, finished his career with a 236–106 record and a 2.75 ERA and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1974. He remains the Yankees' all-time wins leader. 

"Whitey earned his status as the ace of some of the most memorable teams in our sport’s rich history," commissioner Rob Manfred said. "Beyond the Chairman of the Board's excellence on the mound, he was a distinguished ambassador for our national pastime throughout his life."

The Yankees will honor Ford in their decisive Game 5 of the ALDS against the Rays by wearing his No. 16 on their uniforms.

A fitting tribute for Whitey 💙 pic.twitter.com/owmPWjM3tI

— New York Yankees (@Yankees) October 9, 2020

The Associated Press contributed to this report.