Grace, Grit, and Pinstripes: The Elston Howard Story Through Cheryl’s Eyes

In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with my longtime friend Cheryl Howard, daughter of New York Yankees legend Elston “Ellie” Howard—the first Black player on the Yankees, 1963 AL MVP, and later the American League’s first Black coach. Cheryl reflects on growing up in the Yankees family section surrounded by icons like Yogi Berra, Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris, and Whitey Ford; the warmth of Old Yankee Stadium; and the deep brotherhood among players who stood together against discrimination. Cheryl shares intimate memories of her dad’s grace, humility, love of cooking, inventing the on-deck “donut,” and his unfulfilled dream to manage in the majors. We talk about her mother Arlene’s elegance and quiet strength, the family’s joys and losses, and Cheryl’s own vibrant career in theater and music—from national anthems at postseason games to a Josephine Baker one-woman show. We also celebrate Elston’s induction into the New York State Baseball Hall of Fame and the enduring legacy of a trailblazer whose teammates treated him like family.Cheryl opens up about caretaking for her 90-year-old mom, cherished ties with fellow Yankees families (from Yogi and Carmen Berra to Roy White and Bill White), and memories of support from George Steinbrenner. She recalls Ellie’s service in the Korean War, the family’s stolen World Series rings (and the miraculous return of one), and the ghosts of the old Stadium that still inspire. It’s a moving portrait of resilience, love, and legacy—one that reminds us why every story truly is worth the price of admission.