The photo is as rare as integrity in a power-obsessed
Politician. It was taken in 1947 in glorious brown and
White, a photo filled with contrasts to sharp observers.
It was Yogi’s rookie year with the Yanks, just three years
Removed from his heroically taking part in D-Day and
The storming of the beaches of Normandy – – – and his
Nervousness at meeting the legend was present in his
Taught facial expression. He was not yet the
Ol’ Perfessor’s favorite and most similar student.
It was the Bambino’s penultimate year as a living idol. His
Body had been chiseled in his early playing years (though
Most of you recall only his paunchiness from videos of his
Later years). There stood Babe, taller than Yogi but bent over
By the ravages of cancer. Still, if you looked with optimistic
Eyes, you’d see the past much more readily than the ‘47
Present – – – and the relentless future, waiting harshly for
Number 3 to succumb. . . waiting for the prince to show
He’s human after all.
You are gazing at a pair of legends, but it’s so much more:
On the left stands the New York Yankee past, the glory of
Murderer’s Row, the teammate of Lou Gehrig and Tony
Lazzeri. On his left side, in a baggy uniform proudly bearing
The boldly printed words “NEW YORK”, is the Yankees’
Future, a potential Hall of Famer, teammate of Di Maggio
And soon to be companion of Mantle, Ford and a team
Which would go on to win five World Series in a row.
If ever there was a photo which symbolized a baseball
Dynasty, the opera in brown and white was — and is —
This portrait of heroes past and future. It portrays a
Love story that only a New York baseball fan can comprehend.