Don Mattingly can make a claim as the best player for the Yankees in the 1980’s. He can also make a claim as the best hitter in the American League over the same timeframe. The First Baseman would break out in 1984 where he would go to his first of his six straight All-Star Games where he was the Yankees “Hit Man”.
Along with Red Ruffing, the eccentric Lefty Gomez anchored a pitching staff that dominated the 1930’s. Before the days of Yogi Berra, it was the southpaw that was the known for witty banter and unique sense of humor.