Posted By:
Ted ZanidakisYes, my Yankees favoritism reveals itself when I talk about Johnny Mize.
I first met him at a NJ BB card show in 1981. I was set-up at the show and Big John was sitting at the adjacent
booth signing his autograph for the public. During our idle moments we struck up quite a conversation.
I reminisced with him about the 1952 World Series where he single-handedly beat the Dodgers with 3 game win-
ning HR's and a would be 4th HR that Carl Furillo leaped into the RF stands to catch it.
Five years later we stopped in Demorest, GA (driving to FLA) and I had a really nice visit with Johnny. John was
quite an independent spirit in his BB playing days. I asked him why the Cardinals, and then the Giants traded him
when he was playing at his peak performance ? He said that they wouldn't meet his salary demands, so he asked
to be traded.
I recall like it was just yesterday, when the Yankees acquired Mize from the Giants on Aug 19, 1949. As a 10-year
old, I was very excited, as I recalled that the year before he hit 51 HR's. Mize (on and off the field) contributed
greatly to the 1949-53 "dynasty" years of the Yankees.
Bill White....
I loved to listen to Bill announcing the Yankees games with Phil Rizzuto. I met Bill at a Show in Asbury Park, NJ
in 1990. I waited till the end of his signing session so I could talk with him. We had a great conversation and I'll
never forget as we were parting....he stood up offered me his hand and thanked me for a very pleasant conver-
sation....what a fine gentleman.
Years later at the Cooperstown Show, two gals in their early 20's were at my table asking me for Bill White BB
cards. We started a conversation, and I soon realized they were Bill White's Daughters. They were such a de-
light to talk with.
TED Z