Clete Boyer 1937-2007

BAMBINO: My heartfelt condolences go out to the Boyer family on their loss. The Yankee family and the baseball world lost a member. Cletis Leroy “Clete” Boyer broke into the Major Leagues in 1955 with the Kansas City Athletics without having any Minor League Experience. He was traded to the the Yankees in 1957 and played 3rd Base until 1967 where he finished his career with the Atlanta Braves before retiring after the 1971 season.

His career numbers weren't staggering (.242 AVG 162 HR 654 RBI) but he was the defensive anchor at 3rd base for those great Yankee teams of the late 50's early 60's and would have won Gold Gloves if Brooks Robinson didn't play in the AL. Only until Graig Nettles arrived on the scene in the early '70's did the Yanks have a hot corner guy of Boyer's caliber.

I never saw Clete play, but I always equated his name with baseball. I mean c'mon the name alone, Clete Boyer, says it all. It's a baseball name for sure. It seems like every season now, the Yankees are sporting the "black armband" on their uniform to honor the dearly departed Yanks. There are guys gettin' up there too like Yogi, Scooter, and Whitey. It will be sad days for sure when those greats leave us for Baseball Heaven. Anyway, Rest In Peace Clete. Say hello to the Bambino and the Boys for me!!!