The Invisible Yankee
by Rick Ford, the original Dandy
SOFTCOVER | 5.5 × 8.25 | 294 PAGES | $24.99 | ISBN: 9798234004147
The short, strange saga of Dandy, the forgotten Yankees’ mascot.
Team mascots in Major League Baseball have become a common part of the game, with lovable characters like Mr. Met, the Phillie Phanatic, and the San Diego Chicken. In fact, the Dodgers, the Angels, and the Yankees are the only three MLB teams that don’t currently have one.
But the Yankees did, even though they’ll never admit it.
This is the curious saga of Dandy, the short-lived mascot of the New York Yankees.
Few fans know that the New York Yankees once had a mascot—a furry, mustachioed character named Dandy. In this revealing memoir, Rick Ford—who was Dandy—finally tells the true story behind the team’s short-lived experiment with mascot culture. From his 1979 debut to his mysterious disappearance two years later, Ford takes readers inside Yankee Stadium for a behind-the-scenes look at a little-known moment in Yankees history. Blending humor, nostalgia, and personal photographs, The Invisible Yankee reveals what really happened to Dandy—and why the Yankees have all but forgotten him.
Dandy with Rick, and the poster of the New York Yankee Autographs, given to him on September 16, 1979.
Yankee Mascot Baseball card.
Readers’ Feedback:
“Loved the book. The Invisible Yankee was poignant, funny and a bit sad but that gave your story the heart it needs and deserves.” — Dave Raymond, The Phillie Phanatic
“BRAVO! You told an interesting story about Dandy's short life, relating the story as if we were sitting together having a beer while you spun your yarn. You showed your humor and humility, and anyone interested in sports promotion or mascots would learn a lot from your book, contrasting the success of the Chicken and the Phanatic with the sad demise of Dandy. I certainly enjoyed it, and read the book in only two sittings.” — John C.
“I enjoyed your book! Your description of the charity event at the Felt Forum really puts the reader right there on the stage! I found your writing style extremely easy to read, as if you’re talking directly to the reader. That is a gift, Rick. Well done!” — Len D.
“Ricky, I just finished reading your book. You did a super job telling your story - and what an interesting story it is! Your writing style is warm, straightforward, and captivating. Knowing you made it extra enjoyable to read but if I didn’t know you I can imagine that I would have been as deeply pulled into the story. I am thoroughly blown away. I hope the book has great success. It is a book that millions would enjoy reading; baseball fans, college graduates, struggling actors, along with anyone who likes a good yarn. I admire your determination to get your story told. You did a great job!” — Mark N.