R.I.P. TOMMY - AT 6:20 P.M. ET: 

Tommy Henrich, the right fielder known as Old Reliable who helped propel the Yankees to seven World Series championships, died on Tuesday in Dayton, Ohio. He was 96.

His death was announced by the Yankees.

Playing with the Yankees for 11 seasons, Henrich proved a timely hitter, an outstanding defensive player and a leader who epitomized the image of the classy Yankee who was nearly always a winner.

COMMENT:  There are certain deaths that make those of us of a certain age pause for a moment.  As a fanatical Brooklyn Dodger fan, growing up in Brooklyn, I loathed Tommy Henrich.  The guy was that good.  I remember, during one World Series, snapping off a brown Emerson tube table radio in a rage as Henrich got a critical hit against my boys.

R.I.P. Tommy.  You did good, even if it was for the wrong team.

December 1, 2009