A lined map*
(in memory of Whitey Ford, New York Yankees Pitcher, the Yankees Southpaw)
by Ruth Esther Gilmore

The flight of the curved ball. The arc of my foot.
The bend of a river or Cupid’s taunt bowstring.
The antlers of a deer circled around the horizon.

Even my fingertips gently bend
With the rest of the arced world,
Contrasting with human-made straight lines.

Even my life and my love and my destiny
Stretch out on a lined map of rounded ways.
Hover my drawing-board and stay my pencil,

Mimicry the mysteries of graphite bondage,
For my spirit keeping a strange distance
Will journey free to the curved hand of God.

*from the book “braving life in these uncertain times” (Geest-Verlag) by Ruth Esther Gilmore

Posted by: Ruth Esther Gilmore
Oct 20, 2020

My deepest sympathy goes out to the family . May the true God comfort your broken hearts. For Psalms 50:15 says call and He will deliver in the day of distress.

Posted by: A friend
Oct 16, 2020

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family of Whitey Ford. What a legend in the baseball world. He will be missed!

Posted by: Taylor
Oct 15, 2020

Whitey was a patient in Saint John’s (Long Island City) in the ‘50s.
My sister was one of his nurses.
The Yankee ace give an autograph baseball to us.
Great long memories!

(Reverend)
Society of the Missionaries of the Holy Apostles (M.S.A.)

Posted by: Vincent A. SALAMONI - Acquaintance
Oct 14, 2020

My heartfelt condolences to the entire family for your loss. May God comfort each one of you at this difficult time. Peace.

Posted by: A friend
Oct 14, 2020

Truly one of the greats. You excelled the Yankees.
As a Yankee fan, thank you Whitey.

Posted by: A friend
Oct 14, 2020

The greatest yankee pitcher ever. Great teammate. Ultimate competitor. Class act start to finish. May god bless you forever. Love you Whitey!

Posted by: Joel Pesqueira - Sea Cliff, NY
Oct 13, 2020

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Whitey was a Kind neighbor and and all around hall of fame type of man ,i am sending special wishes of strength to his kind and devoted wife mary .

Posted by: Cher T - Ft lauderdale, FL - neighbor
Oct 12, 2020

Whitey was my neighbor and friend . Mary and whitey reside in building and we enjoyed moments talking and he shared many memories .

Posted by: Cher - neighbor
Oct 12, 2020

R IP Whitey. You will be missed

Posted by: Tina Toepfer - Ft Lauderdale, FL - acquaintance
Oct 12, 2020

Godspeed Whitey! We'll never forget you.

Posted by: Christopher Kuzler - Oldsmar, FL - Acquaintance
Oct 12, 2020

Whitey Ford was a Hall of Fame and legendary pitcher. May you treasure the memories and may The God of tender mercies comfort you and give you peace.

Posted by: Mary - Neighbor
Oct 12, 2020

One of the best. A childhood hero and a kind man when I met him when I was an adult. My condolences to the Ford family on their loss.

Posted by: Jan Orcutt - San Diego, CA - acquaintance
Oct 12, 2020

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. Always loved to watch him pitch. Yankee fan forever

Posted by: Ace Dudley
Oct 12, 2020

A talented player, a legend for the ages. Sincere condolences to the Ford family, very sorry for your loss, may God help you all at this most difficult time.

Posted by: A friend
Oct 12, 2020

I use to love watching him pitch when a kid. Cant help one particular game they put him in with bases loaded and no outs. When he finished his magic, not a run was scored. Magnificent! RIP

Posted by: Don Romero - Metairie, LA - Friend
Oct 12, 2020

In 1959 my Daddy bought our first tv. It was to watch the World Series game between the New York Yankees and the Brooklyn Dodgers. We watched Whitey Ford pitch!! The Yankees won!! My team WON!! I am so sorry to hear of his passing and will be praying for his family!!

Posted by: Ellen Sperry
Oct 11, 2020

Went for a signing. Ended up with a life's lesson never forgotten. I adored this man for all he was and all he stood for.

Posted by: Maureen Dauphinee - Rochester, NY - friend
Oct 11, 2020

Whitey was a gem there is good men he was a great man a true hero god bless him. Had many drinks with him in the Yankee club it was amazing

Posted by: brozzetti. Jimmy Brozzetti - Spouse
Oct 11, 2020

My idol when I was a boy. Will be missed.

Posted by: Phillip Shockley - Chattanooga, TN
Oct 11, 2020

God Bless You Mr. Ford. And Angels lead thee to thy rest.

Posted by: Anthony Amoroso - Friend
Oct 11, 2020

In 1961, I was 8 years old and I watched Roger Maris hit home run number 61 and the Yankees win the World Series. I became a Yankees fan forever and I still watch almost every game on the MLB channel. Thanks Whitey for all the great memories.

Posted by: Jackie Sloan - Laurens, SC - friend
Oct 11, 2020

We all loved watching him pitch in all the big games. God Speed Whitey Ford!
Tony Esposito
Longboat Key, Fl

Posted by: A friend
Oct 11, 2020

Sincere condolences to the Ford Family, May the God of Comfort take care of the your grieving hearts with His peace and endless loving care. May you be supported by His strength as each difficult day passes to cope with your precious loss. Thank you for Whitey’s contribution to the Baseball League.

Posted by: BRY
Oct 11, 2020

Great memories as a young SB Tribune carrier of getting enough new customers to earn the annual trip to Chicago. Yankees were my team growing up collecting all the stars on baseball cards . Mantle,Maris,Yogi,Whitey,and the gang in Chicago! Bus trip galore.

Posted by: Harold Cox - Elkhart, IN
Oct 11, 2020

Sincere condolences to the Ford family, May God be with all of you.

Posted by: A friend
Oct 11, 2020

First and foremost my condolences to the Ford family. I was living in Washington, DC when I was 12 in 1957 and would lay in bed with my transistor radio and earplugs attached listening to the Yankee/Senator games from Griffith Stadium. When Whitey was pitching I always stayed awake knowing the Senators were sure to loose with Whitey pitching. I had the privilege of seeing Yankee Stadium in 2005 sitting right behind the Yankee dugout. Goosebumps when the Yankees went on the field. Rest in Peace Mr. Ford...

Posted by: Chuck McCoy - Las Vegas, NV - friend
Oct 11, 2020

RIP Whitey
Even though I never saw him pitch and when I became a BIG Yankee fan in the late 60's, I looked forwarded to going to the stadium for Old Timers Day and even though it was an exhibition game, I looked forwarded to watching him pitch.
Now reunited with Scooter Yogi Billy Mickey Joe D and the rest of the Yankee greats, it must have been quite a reunion at the pearly gates.

Posted by: Wanda
Oct 10, 2020

I was so sad to hear of Whitey's passing. I have so many great memories of not just his playing days, but of all the family events the he and Joan attended. I am Margaret Venables Wiegel son Peter. I will forever remember all the great times of my childhood and I will keep him in my heart for a great while. Peter

Posted by: peter wiegel - Family
Oct 10, 2020

To the Ford Family:
I remember seeing Mr. Ford play on television in the 1960s.
Betty Henderson-Detroit

Posted by: A friend
Oct 10, 2020

He was one of my favorite players of all time. I got to meet him one time back in the 1960's when he came to Atlanta. I was working in the Atlanta Marriott where the Yankees stayed.

Posted by: Charles Roberts - Atlanta, AL - friend
Oct 10, 2020

My sincere condolences to his family and friends. Watching him pitch cheered me up during a difficult time, and I am totally grateful. I met him once and he was very kind and generous, he so clearly appreciated his fans. So sorry for your loss, may the God of all comfort bless his family and friends.

Posted by: Bill Benedetto
Oct 10, 2020

My favorite Yankee player of all time, I grew up watching him. He was an old school gentleman, and I also idolized him off the mound. Thanks for all the amazing memories and for sharing your life with the world. You will not be forgotten ever!

Posted by: Barry Adams
Oct 10, 2020

Dear Sally Ann, Stephen and all the Fords and Clancys. We are very sorry to hear of your father’s passing. You are all in our prayers. The children of Barbara and Bob Quinn: Barbie, Tom, Robert, Patrick, and Suzie.

Posted by: Barbara Quinn McElroy - Garden city, NY - friend
Oct 10, 2020

Everyone said Steve McQueen was the King of Cool. But for me cool, calm, and confident was the Chairman of the Board. I laugh thinking of what Whitey would say about today’s batters jumping in and out of the batter’s box, adjusting the batting gloves etc. I am just glad I got to see the master perform his surgical technique on the mound. The added bonus was see him slap a single and even make that look like a breeze. The old adage is so true the great ones make it look all so easy. Thanks for everything Whitey.

Posted by: Kevin Bailey - Phila., PA - friend
Oct 10, 2020

Your old neighbor (Little Neck) and a friend of your Son will really miss you as an outstanding player on my favorite team and a terrific father to your children! Rest In Peace.

Lloyd Davis Raines

Posted by: Lloyd Raines - Rye Brook, NY - neighbor
Oct 10, 2020

I was born in 1956.I grew up a Yankees fan.Whitey was the greatest pitcher ever.

Posted by: Charles Greer - Ellaville, GA - acquaintance
Oct 10, 2020

My deepest condolences to the family. May you find comfort in your treasured memories and Gods comforting words at Psalms 119:76.

Posted by: A friend
Oct 10, 2020

Loved ole whitey from the beginning

Posted by: Charles Clark - Memphis, TN - friend
Oct 10, 2020

Had the pleasure of seeing Whitey pitch in a couple of games in the 60's and he became one of my all-time favorite NY Yankees! He was great with the fans and although I tried to get Mickey Mantle's autograph and failed, I do have a signed baseball from Whitey which I treasure...RIP, Whitey!

Posted by: Linda J Styles - San Antonio, TX
Oct 10, 2020

Whitey Ford was a fine gentleman. I played H.S. ball with his son, Tom (RIP), and met Whitey on several occasions. He was also gracious and would share some details of times spent with "The Mick." The Yankee Universe has lost both a legend and a treasure and I add not only Whitey, but the entire Ford family in my daily prayers. May the "Chairman of the Board" bask in the Light of the Lord.

Posted by: Gary J Traube - Redondo, Vegas, L.I. - acquaintance
Oct 10, 2020

Whitey Ford was my favorite baseball idol. I knew he was an inimitable person with an undauntable competitive spirit. I first met him personally in my office 20 years ago.. He was as nice a person as he was a great pitcher! REST IN PEACE!

Posted by: Roger Gaeckler - acquaintance
Oct 10, 2020

I never met Mr. Whitey Ford, but have watched him play Baseball for many, many years of my life!! And I do not have the records to compare him to Mickey Mantel, but do believe that Whitey was better, and set more records!! I'm very sorry to read/see/hear of his passing!! Thoughts/Condolences/Prayers to his Family and Friends!! ''Thanks-For-The-Memories''!! Rest-In-Peace''!! And I'm very sorry, that Alzheimer's Disease cost him his life!! GOD bless his Family!! And GOD bless his soul!!!

Posted by: Ronald Bredemeyer - Woodway, TX - friend
Oct 10, 2020

I like to send my condolences to the family of Whitey Ford. The Ford family and the New York Yankees has lost a loved one, but baseball and America has lost an ICON and LEGEND. Rest in Peace Whitey.

Posted by: Adolph A Guerrero
Oct 10, 2020

I was not born during Whitey Ford’s playing days, but I do understand what he meant to the game of baseball. He was a true legend of the game and he will always be remembered for generations to come. May God bless the family of Whitey Ford during this difficult time. Rest In Peace Mr. Chairman.

Posted by: Andrew McCay - Friend
Oct 10, 2020

I was not born during Whitey Ford’s playing days, but I do understand what he meant to the game of baseball. He was a true legend of the game and he will always be remembered for generations to come. May God bless the family of Whitey Ford during this difficult time. Rest In Peace Mr. Chairman.

Posted by: Andrew McCay - Friend
Oct 10, 2020

A great pitcher and a GREATER friend

Posted by: MAURY JOSEPH - Friend
Oct 10, 2020

One of the best all time pitchers 4 the Yankees:) Loved watching him with my dad back in the 60's....

Posted by: A friend
Oct 10, 2020

God Rest in Heaven with Mickey, Billy, Yogi, and the rest of the Yankees that have passed. However, you were and are "The Chairman Of The Board". Thank you for the beautiful memories as a part of each of your admirers share in your passing.

Posted by: Joseph Bell - Acquaintance
Oct 10, 2020

As a young boy growing up in South Dakota the Yankees were baseball. The Gillette Game of the week with Dizzy Dean and Pee Wee Reese more times than not were the Yankees. Got to go to Yankee Stadium to see them play in the 60s. Thank you for the wonderful memories..

Posted by: Mike Schmidt - Jacksonville, FL
Oct 10, 2020

Whitey a childhood hero, thank you for being a great Yankee and a better man. RIP

Posted by: Tom Babcock - Boston, MA
Oct 10, 2020

I was a bartender at Fran IBrien's Crabhouse in Laiderdale By The Sea he was frequent day late afternoon 2 beer man who was down to earth loved his wife loved his yankees was sad to read of his passing

Posted by: Barbara J Kurtz - Friend
Oct 10, 2020

My Dad was a huge Yankee Fan, I remember my Dad listening to the Game of the week on the radio. It was a special day when the Yankees played with Whitey Ford pitching!! The broadcasters were PeeWee Reese and Dizzy Dean. I still listen to ball games on the radio with my fresh parched peanuts and small bottles of coke on ice on the front porch! RIP Sir, And my God Bless the Ford Family!

Posted by: Jerry Richburg - Friend
Oct 10, 2020

I was a Twins fan, but it was always a thrill when the New York Yankees would come to Metropolitan Stadium and I'd get to see Whitey Ford pitch!

My sympathy to Mr. Ford's family, friends and fans.

Posted by: Stacy Harris
Oct 09, 2020

My deepest condolences to the family and friends,
May he Rest In Eternal Peace

Posted by: Phyllis Sharp - Astoria, NY
Oct 09, 2020

We want to extend our deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Ford.
A great Yankee has gone. Rest In Peace

Posted by: Michael and Julie Warrington - Pittsfield, MA - acquaintance
Oct 09, 2020

My parents knew Whitey as a kid from Astoria they grew up together they names are Robert and Mary Marra who have both passed i got to meet Whitey a few times and it was so nice to here them talk about the old days great man and Yankee

Posted by: Michael Marra - Lecanto, FL - friend
Oct 09, 2020

My condolences to the Ford family from another kid from Astoria. Rest In Peace Whitey

Posted by: Alan Kruger - Prescott, AZ
Oct 09, 2020

Rest in peace y t you're a great person my grandfather and my father always told me stories about you hanging out at my grandfather's bar Palmer's Tavern in Astoria rest in peace you are a great one

Posted by: Bob AlkemNd - Selden, NY - friend
Oct 09, 2020

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. I never saw him pitch, but at Old Timers Day and the Refurbishing in 1973, I saw what the fans thought of him, Edward Charles " Whitey " Ford #16!

Peter

Posted by: Pete Lieggi - Lawrenceville, NJ
Oct 09, 2020

I saw Whitey pitch to Yogi at Yankee Stadium, I was about 12 at the time, what a phenomenal battery combination, and what special people, I didn’t fully appreciate what I was witnessing.
RIP and profound condolences to Whitey’s loved ones.
Wayne L

Posted by: Wayne Lloyd - Glen Gardner, NJ
Oct 09, 2020

My family was/is BIG BIG Yankees fans. My father and I knew the stats on all the players. You were way on top of the list as one of our favorites.
Time for you to rest Mr. Ford.
RIP

Posted by: A friend
Oct 09, 2020

My condolences to his friends and family he was a Pioneer and the sports, he was very kind and helpful to his communities may you rest in peace David call

Posted by: David - Acquaintance
Oct 09, 2020

Another great Yankee has gone to his heavenly home. In my childhood
home I was a lover of those Yankees because my Dad was an avid fan
and I kept up as he reported and watched. It would be awesome if you
could meet my Dad in heaven and discuss that team with him in those
pin-stripes. RIP,Mr. Ford and thanks for all those memories.

Posted by: D.M.
Oct 09, 2020

Watch out Heaven (?)...the Mick....Whitey & Billy are together again. Thanks for all of the great baseball & bragging rights. RIP..

Posted by: Kathleen Toomey - Worcester, MA
Oct 09, 2020

.

Posted by: Kent Sivadge - TX
Oct 09, 2020

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Posted by: WALTER THOMAS - frederick, MD
Oct 09, 2020

In 1981, I was invited to play in the Riviera Hall of Fame Golf tournament in Las Vegas, that Hall of Famers from every sport we’re invited to play in, and it was a Nationally televised tournament. Joe DiMaggio called and invited me (35) year old guest) to play in it. The first night of the tournament I was invited to Dinner by Whitey Ford, and George Blanda, and their wives. We then all went to Caesars Palace, got our own table and the 5 of us played Blackjack and enjoyed each other’s company. Thank you Whitey, You Live in My Heart.
Don Nicholas

Posted by: Don Nicholas - Blanco, TX - friend
Oct 09, 2020

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always. Sending prayers and words of comfort to Mr. Fords family. Please accept my sincere condolences.

Posted by: JE Sowell - Charlotte, NC
Oct 09, 2020

As a lifelong New York Yankees fan since I was about six years old, I am truly saddened to hear today that Hall of Famer Whitey Ford has died :-( . I had the privilege of meeting him at a baseball card show years ago in York, PA and had him sign a photograph, and actually talked for him for about 20 minutes afterward at a local restaurant where I had been tipped off by a good friend as to where he was going after the show. He was sitting in a small booth with his "handler" from the show and I nervously went over to them. I said, "Hello, Mr. Ford, I saw you earlier today and you were very kind to sign a photo for me." He smiled and said, "Would you like to sit down with us?" Shocked, I of course said yes, and we talked about the Yankees for over 20 minutes. Whitey Ford was not only a great pitcher, but one of the classiest and humblest and nicest baseball players I have ever met. God bless you, Whtey ---- say hi to "The Mick" and Billy Martin and all the Yankees up there for me :-(

Posted by: Randy Drais
Oct 09, 2020

So sad to hear this ....he was always a hero to me growing up

Posted by: Charles Fusco - West Chester, PA
Oct 09, 2020

Wonderful neighbor, good friend, greatest ball player. You will be missed in my heart.

Posted by: Dianne Bates - Glen Cove, New York - neighbor
Oct 09, 2020

Greatest starter, in the history of The Game's most storied team. Now reunited with The Mick.

Posted by: A friend
Oct 09, 2020

My condolences.

Posted by: A friend
Oct 09, 2020