In these November 1966 photos, two of the players from the New York Yankees paid a visit to Disneyland. Outside the entrance in shot #1 is Robert "Bobby" Richardson, a former second baseman for the Yanks from 1955-1966. Richardson won three World Series (1958, 1961, 1962) of the seven he played with the team. In the 1960 Series, Richardson was named Most Valuable Player after hitting .367 with 12 RBIs, becoming the first non-pitcher to earn the award, and is to this day the only MVP to play for the losing team. To Bobby's left is Joe Garagiola, Sr., a former Major League Baseball catcher who later became a color commentary announcer, TV host, and one of the regular panelists of The Today Show on NBC. A few classic quotes from Garagiola:
"Nolan Ryan is pitching much better now that he has his curve ball straightened out."
"I know a baseball star who wouldn't report the theft of his wife's credit cards because the thief spends less than she does."
Here on Main Street, U.S.A., Steve Hamilton poses with the Wooden Indian outside of the Tobacconist Shop. Garagiola probably would have been opposed to this shop as he was an outspoken advocate against chewing tobacco. Hamilton was a Major League Baseball (MLB) and NBA player. He was mostly a relief pitcher during his 12 MLB seasons, including a stint as the New York Yankees closer during the 1968 season. He pitched 1 inning during the Yankees 1963 World Series loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers and 2 innings during the Yankees 1964 World Series loss to the St. Louis Cardinals, including 1 save.
Any readers out there who were at Disneyland on this particular day?
See more vintage & current Disneyland photos from my collection on my main website.
