Feb. 9, 1965 - Whitey Ford and Al Downing, two of baseball’s best lefthanded pitchers and half the regular starting staff of the Yankees, will be making more money than ever in 1965 despite certain difficulties in 1964, and they hope to repay the club in victories.
Ford’s salary is estimated at $60,000 and includes a raise. That means he will paid more for just pitching, at the age of 36 after a shoulder operation, than he did last year for acting as pitching coach and pitching, too. Downing, who has only one complete Yankee season behind him, is getting about $18,000, an increase over last year.
Late last season, a blockage in the front of Ford’s left shoulder impaired the blood circulation in his left arm. The numbness that resulted prevented him from pitching after the first game of the World Series, which the Yankees lost to the Cardinals in seven games.
Two months ago, an operation corrected the condition. Whitey reported today that he felt perfectly normal, although he had not done any throwing yet and would not until he went to Florida later this month.
One interesting side effect has developed, however: Whitey no longer perspires along his left arm, the left side of his torso, and the left side of his face. In fixing up his circulation, a nerve that controls sweat in that part of his body had to be cut.
“The doctors told me it would happen,” said Whitey, “and it shouldn’t make any difference once I get used to it. Kidding aside, my hand has to be a little moist to get a grip on the ball because I have small hands, so I’ll just have to rub my hands together or wipe my brow to get the necessary moisture.”
Someday, when he’s through pitching, Ford would like to try full-time coaching, he said. How about managing?“Never,” he replied. “I wouldn’t mind the managing itself, but all the things that go with it — the personal appearances, talking to you fellows, the demands on your time — that’s not for me.”
Many questions from newsmen concerned Ford’s age. Whitey tried to ignore them, but finally Downing couldn’t keep still.
“I remember Whitey when I was in the fourth grade,” said Al. “It was his first year with the Yankees. He was my idol.”
“How old are you?” Ford asked, eyes narrow with suspicion.
“Twenty-three,” said Downing.
Ford’s eyes widened, his lips pursed, and a soundless whistle came forth. “Twenty-three,” Whitey repeated, torn between admiration and envy.
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