The baseball world loses another hero; with the death of Ralph Houk:
Baseball is a game which is loved by all the Americans. It is played with passion and courage as it needs skills, stamina and faith over one another. Recently the world of baseball suffered a strong blow because another golden chapter of this great game ended on the 21st of July, 2010 with the death of Ralph George Houk. Yes it was a sad day indeed for New York Yankees and all the major baseball leagues. Houk was a coach, a manager, a fighter team man and a winner for his team.
Ralph handled the New York Yankees in the early 60,s and his dedication to his work and love for the game made his team a champion. Houk was born on 9th August, 1919. The 90 year old manager started his baseball career as a catcher. With the beginning of the World War 2 the veteran joined the US Army as an Army Ranger and in Army his keen dedication and commitment to his work were his positive points. He served his skills in the battle fields of Bastogne and Bulge. Later he was promoted to the rank of major and awarded with Silver Star, Purple Heart and Bronze Star by the Government of the United States of America. With the end of the World War Houk rejoined the New York Yanks and again started his baseball career as a player and served as a string catcher for his team. Houk participated in 91 games for the Yanks from 1947 to 1954. Though his career as a baseball player was not so successful but he was famous for his managerial skills. In 1960 Houk started his professional managerial career for the New York Yanks as an acting manager. Where he coached the Yanks for 13 matches, later he was promoted as a permanent coach for the team.
Houk’s death was a sad moment for all the Yanks and for the stars of his time as his career is still deeply cherished by the oldies as he was a legend and a role model for the rest. A presenter from the Red Sox, d**k Bresciani told the media about Houk’s death after being contacted Scott Slaboden, who is the grandson of Ralph Houk. In which he told the world that Houk died a natural death in the result of long illness. Radio analyst Jim Price expressed his views about Ralph Houk that he was a brilliant person and before his baseball career he was also a good soldier. He was brave and committed on whatever he did, that made his personality unique and matchless. One of the Tigers legends Al Kaline stated that Ralph was a great man; he was a player manager and knew each and every aspect of players’ weaknesses and their strong points. AL Kaline added that every one respects Houk because of his special devotion to the team and he enjoyed playing with Houk. Manager of Dodgers, Joe Torre expressed his love for Houk and stated that Ralph Houk was a tough man and a real good guy; he was a great asset for New York Yanks, Red Sox and for the Tigers.
Under his supervision Yanks won the World Series Championship twice in 1961 and in 1962. 1963 was not a bad year as well because New York Yanks proved their strong position with turning an event by winning the Al pennant. Houk also managed the Tiger for four years from 1974 to 1978. Houk also managed and served with Minnesota Twins before retiring from the baseball world in 1984 at the age of 61.
Houk has been a great asset for the world of baseball as he served his life to promote and to settle different aspects of the game. A vivid golden chapter from the book of baseball ends with the death of Ralph George Houk, a man who is respected and loved by all baseball lovers. May his soul rest in peace.
Tags: