Before I set out to write this series about complementary greats, I was originally looking at the career of one particular Yankee: Johnny Blanchard. More specifically, I looked back on his performance in 1961. That ‘61 season is a huge one in Yankee history and most notably remembered by Roger Maris’ chase of the single season home run record.
Blanchard doesn’t stand out in the history books, but his 1961 campaign prompted me to begin this series, covering the likes of Bob Meusel, Willie Randolph, and Oscar Gamble. They were among a fraternity of players who were impactful members of the Yankees, but due to a variety of reasons, might have been overlooked.