Hank Bauer, #9
It was never my intent to use this blog to write obituaries. That said, once again, here goes.
Hank Bauer lived to be 84. We should all be so lucky. He was a war hero and more often than not the leadoff hitter for the mighty Yankees of the 50s… Early on, he platooned with Gene Woodling, a hitting machine. Both men hated the role. Late in his career he was traded for Roger Maris [and Joe DeMaestri]. He went on to manage the As for Charlie Finley [assuring himself a place in heaven] and, later, the Orioles. He led them to their first World Series victory in 1966.
He was “Charlie Hustle” before Pete Rose.
I can still hear the voice of public address announcer Bob Sheppard. “Leading off for the Yankees, playing right field, number 9, Hank Bauer, number 9.”
Comfortably Zoned with Ralph Zig Tyko 
Harold Hashinsky said,
September 11, 2009 at 6:43 am
I am currently 66 years old. I I grew up as a Yankee fan in NYC. Mickey Mantle was my idle. I watched Hank, the navy man, the beer man, play a dazling man in right field. I often sat in right field when I attended Yankee games, and applauded Hank when he made an exceptional play. He wasn’t the very best outfielder, but yes, you could him “Charlie Hustle” – because that’s who he was. Hank Bauer was a special person. i had the honor to meet him personally and talk to him at the fantasy camps @ the then Legends Field (I also have season tickets to Yankees spring training). I might have participated in those games, but my health wouldn’t allow it, Just talking to that wonderful person, Hank Bauer, was esciting for me. His family can and should be proud of the positive things he did for baseball, and the Yankees.
He will always remain a favorite Yankee in my heart.
Harold Hashinsky