Yastrzemski is another of those names that is the definition of baseball. Someone gave me a mint condition Yaz rookie card, which I still have (still mint) if anyone is interested. Best regards and get well soon, Yaz!
I was living in "the Valley" out in western Mass. in 1967 when the Sox pulled their magic act. I was one of the few people in town who were not of Polish descent. It was unbelievable what Yaz meant to that community. It wasn't obsession. It was religion. Wish I had a loaf of the Yaz bread that they sold in the stores. I can still see the wrapper in my mind.
To get some perspective on how well Yaz played left field at Fenway, it's great to remember what other players have looked like out there under the Monster. There were guys on various teams over the years who were probably more athletic than Yaz who looked clumsy and clueless in left field compared to him.
I just can't imagine anyone getting more out of their ability than he got out of his.
And very few players spent their careers in the totally best, pre-ordained spot on earth for them to be. Yaz and New England: truly a match made in heaven.
That bat raised way up high and straight in the air, waiting for the pitch. The mainmast of Old Ironsides, once removed.
Obviously one of the most defining achievements in his spectacular career is that Yaz took Ted Williams' spot in Fenway, and it was hard to tell.
Very well phrased, k-a-l.
According to sources in the Boston globe, Yaz underwent a triple bypass and is doing well.
