Yankees Old Timers Day, A Breakdown

MLB New York Yankees

What Happened

In a special Old Timers' Day game at Yankee Stadium, the New York Yankees are treated to a day of nostalgia and friendly competition. Former Cy Young award winner Ron Guidry, nicknamed "The Gator," takes the mound first and faces off against ex-outfielder Johnny Damon, who grounds out weakly. Guidry then mixes his signature curveball to strike out former All-Star Jason Giambi. Next, right-hander Jeff Nelson retires Cecil Fielder, with the legendary Mickey Rivers sprinting to first base as the leadoff hitter, just as he did during his playing days. Rivers then steps up and takes former Yankee great David Cone deep, much to the delight of the crowd. Longtime catcher John Flaherty follows with a base hit off Cone, bringing in another fan favorite, Mariano Rivera, to face his former teammate Paul O'Neill. Rivera jams O'Neill, who grounds out, showcasing the dominance that made him one of the game's all-time great closers. The defensive highlights continue as Bernie Williams, known for his smooth center field play, struggles with the fundamentals of throwing the ball back to the infield. Longtime third base coach Luis Sojo then gets his chance to shine, making a play at the hot corner. Even the legendary Rivera gets his moment at the plate, lacing a double into the gap as the crowd erupts in cheers. Fittingly, Rivera takes the mound one more time, his signature cutter baffling the old-timers. As he trots off the field, the joy on Rivera's face is palpable, the perfect ending to a day filled with laughter, nostalgia and the celebration of Yankees history.

Full Transcript

Click timestamps to jump to that moment

it was old-timers day today in the Bronx

and first up guidry to Johnny Damon he

squibs one down the line and the Gator

makes the play then Gators dropping

curveballs left and right to Jason