Yankees’ Former ‘Cult Hero’ Joins Division Rival In New Role
The New York Yankees received news that a former infielder who helped the team break an American League East drought has joined a rival.
DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 10: Mike Ford #36 of the New York Yankees before a game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on September 10, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) Getty Images The New York Yankees have shared plenty of notable players with their division rivals in the past. Most famously, Babe Ruth joined the team after a stint with the Boston Red Sox.
But the list goes on and on, with more recent Yankees like Mike Mussina playing for the Baltimore Orioles and Rickey Henderson playing for the Toronto Blue Jays, among many others. And now a former infielder who Yankees fans will remember as a long-time member of the organization and a notable late-season hero has reportedly accepted a new role with the American League East rival Tampa Bay Rays. “Former (Yankee) Mike Ford is now working for the Rays in the front office and with minor leaguers,” baseball beat writer Kristie Ackert reported on X , formerly Twitter.
“Got to chat with him last night. Smart hire for the Rays. ” MORE FROM FORBES Blue Jays’ New 2-Time All-Star Singled Out For Political Support Before Debut By Peter Chawaga New York Yankees’s Former Fan Favorite Mike Ford Takes New Role With Tampa Bay Rays Ford signed with the Yankees as an undrafted free agent in 2012, then made his professional debut with the Staten Island Yankees the next year.
He worked his way up through the team’s minor-league system for several years before being invited to big-league Spring Training as a non-roster player in 2019. He made his big-league debut with the Yankees after first baseman Greg Bird suffered an injury in that season and stuck with the Yankees for four campaigns. But most fans will remember him for his hot streak in that first season.