A trip down the memory lane: 5 forgotten New York Yankees left fielders

What is the first name that comes to mind when I say New York Yankees? If you are a real baseball fan, you are probably thinking of Lou Gehrig, “The Iron Horse” or perhaps Babe Ruthhis, I am sure Whitey Ford is somewhere in your thoughts as one of the most loyal New York Yankees. And if you are far from baseball but close to entertainment then you are most certainly thinking of Alex Rodriguez (A-rod). The point is there are always specific names that stand out and those are usually players of important positions like outfielders, pitchers, and catchers. In baseball just like in other sports, the players of impact positions are often forgotten with the spotlight being on the key players. One such player is the left fielders.  

Judging from the patterns of the past year, the NBA franchise has made offense as the focus of the overall game strategy making the left fielders even less “visible.” But the importance of defense and the left fielders should not be undermined.  

While we are all impatiently waiting for our favorite teams to start playing again, let’s take a trip down the memory lane and look into 5 New York Yankees left fielders that seem to be forgotten. Side note - this list has no particular order. 

Hideki Matsui 

Hideki Matsui or better known in the baseball world as “Godzilla,” started his career in Japan playing for NPB’s Yomiuri Giants. His career with the Yomiuri Giants was impressive to say the least. Matsui was a nine-time All-Star, three-time Japan Series champion, and three-time Central League MVP (MVP). Matsui transferred to America and began playing for the New York Yankees in 2003. He stayed with the Yankees for seven seasons and played mainly as a left fielder. Matsui played for other teams like the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Oakland Athletics, and Tampa Bay Rays but in the end, retired with the Yankees.  

“Godzilla” did do a lot for the Yankees during the seven seasons that he was with them. He was a great teammate (attested by Derek Jeter) and real MVP (even if not officially recognized). Matsui’s best years with the Yankees were 2004-2008. In 2006, Matsui fractured his wrist during the game, which affected the result of the match. He joined the team after the recovery and continued maintaining good performance as a left fielder. Today, Matsui ranks third among Yankee left fielders in batting average (.292), OBP (.370) and slugging (.482), and comes forth in doubles (196), homers (140) and RBIs (597).

Gene Woodling
Back to the 20th century to one of the best-left fielders in the history of the New York Yankees  - Eugene Richard Woodling. Besides the Yankees, Gene Woodling played for the Cleveland Indians, Pittsburgh Pirates, Baltimore Orioles, Washington Senators, and the New York Mets. His career was briefly interrupted during the Second World War when he joined the U.S. Navy. 

Woodling’s position within the team was split between playing outfield and left field. He is famous for being a great defensive outfielder and during 17 years of playing, he only made 35 errors. His impressive performance as an outfielder is perhaps the reason why he is so overlooked as a left fielder.  

Roy White

A contemporary of Gene Woodling, White was one of the most popular Yankees players of his time, who after retiring became a coach. He was a loyal Yankees and played his whole career for this team, so it comes as no surprise that he is one of the best-left fielders of the team. Roy White played 1521 games as a left fielder, which already speaks about his success in the position. He won two consecutive championships against the LA Dodgers in 1977 and 1978.

White was a two-time All-Star and was nominated as an MVP four times. These might not sound so impressive but it is worth mentioning that White played with some very poor teammates, so he was not able to use his full potential. Even so, he is considered one of the best-left fielders in the history of this team. He ranks first in plate appearances, runs, hits, walks, and comes second in doubles, stolen bases, and homers.

Charlie Keller 

We are staying in the 20th century with the next legendary left fielder being Charlie Keller. He played as a left fielder in MLB for the New York Yankees (1939-1952) and a year for Detroit Tigers. Keller was known for hitting fly balls and home runs hence his nickname “King Kong,” which, by the way, he hated and never responded to. Similar to Woodling, he missed two seasons as he served in the U.S. Merchant Marines. His military service did not affect his baseball career but a herniated disc later in his career did. 

He started strong in the team with a two-homer performance and established himself as a valuable player and a feared opponent. Keller was a true legend among the Yankees of his time and even beyond, and certainly a great left fielder. 

Bob Meusel 

And last but certainly not least, Bob Meusel. Part of the “Murderers’ Row” squad, Bob Meusel played both as left and right fielder for the New York Yankees. He is a true icon of the early Yankees team but his name is often lost and forgotten in the light of his teammates Ruth and Gehrig. Besides the New York Yankees, Meusel played for the Cincinnati Reds before ending his career. 

Meusel’s achievements with the New York Yankees franchise include winning the team’s first six American League (AL) pennants and the first three World Series titles. Meusel was never famous for being a defensive outfielder but he knew his way around with a bat, which was enough to justify his spot in the team and contribute to the performance of the team - after all, he was a member of the “Murderers' Row.”