NewsMussina confirmed for Old-Timers' Day
Recently retired righty making first appearance at annual event
By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com
07/17/09 7:38 PM ET
NEW YORK -- In the span of less than a year, Mike Mussina has gone from a 20-game winner to an Old-Timer.The recently retired right-hander was announced by the Yankees on Friday as part of an additional selection of pinstriped icons who will be on hand on Sunday for the 63rd annual Old-Timers' Day -- the first held at the new Yankee Stadium.
In addition to Mussina -- who announced his retirement shortly after recording his 20th victory on last season's final day at Fenway Park -- Dwight Gooden, Mel Stottlemyre and Don Zimmer will attend.
Mussina, 40, paid a visit to the Yankees during Spring Training and said then that he was completely satisfied with his decision to retire after 18 Major League seasons -- the first 10 with the Orioles, the final eight with the Yankees -- and 270 victories.
"I'm doing nothing," Mussina said on March 10, grinning. "And when I walked through the weight room, I knew why I'm doing nothing. I feel good being retired. ... If I get invited to the Old-Timers' Game, maybe I'll pitch in that. Maybe I'll wait a year."
It would seem Mussina opted not to wait.
Gooden is one of 10 Yankees to have thrown a regular-season no-hitter, and Zimmer was a member of the coaching staff for 10 seasons over three stints, winning four World Series championships. Stottlemyre won 164 games over an 11-year playing career and later served as a coach.
Hall of Famers Yogi Berra, Whitey Ford, Reggie Jackson and Rich "Goose" Gossage will also be on hand, as well as the widows of four legendary Yankees -- Arlene Howard (Elston Howard), Helen Hunter (Jim "Catfish" Hunter), Kay Murcer (Bobby Murcer) and Diana Munson (Thurman Munson).
Old-Timers' Day newcomers include Chad Curtis, Mike Easler, Charlie Hayes, Lindy McDaniel and Jerry Narron.
On Sunday morning, fans can watch the Old-Timers enter the building at the Yankee Stadium Suite Entrance near Gate 4. Alumni are scheduled to arrive at approximately 9:30 a.m. ET.
Gates will open at 10:00 a.m. for fans holding valid tickets, and introductions are scheduled to begin at 11:45 a.m., with the traditional Old-Timers' Game to follow.
The Yankees host the Detroit Tigers at 2:05 p.m. Fans should note that Monument Park will be open from 10:00 a.m. until 1:15 p.m.
This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
