Hall of Famers parade through Manhattan

NEW YORK – Bob Gibson wore a smile, rather than a scowl.

Known for throwing hard, high and tight, the no-nonsense pitcher presented a much different face Tuesday. He waved to thousands of fans and beamed for their snapshots as a parade of Hall of Famers rolled through midtown Manhattan in a prelude to the All-Star game.

Hey Gibby, going soft on us at 72? Not even one glare for the crowd?

“I really am getting tired of it,” the St. Louis Cardinals great said. He was joking, sort of.

“I didn’t do half the things they said I did,” he said. “They said I was always knocking guys down and hitting guys. But I won a game or two in there.”

Gibson and Gary Carter rode together for the 1 1/2 -mile route up the Avenue of the Americas – and down baseball’s memory lane.

Yogi Berra, George Brett and 40-some Hall of Famers took part, too, sitting in the back of shiny pickup trucks. The two-hour procession included the present stars playing in Tuesday night’s showcase at Yankee Stadium.

Bob Feller recalled the first All-Star game held at the big ballyard in the Bronx – it was 1939, and the 20-year-old fireballer threw 32/3 scoreless innings to preserve an A.L. win.

On that day, the men who would become monuments were on the field. Joe DiMaggio homered and an ill Lou Gehrig was an honorary captain.

“I was not much in awe,” said Feller, the oldest living Hall player at 89. “I had good stuff that day. I threw that overhand high fastball out of the bleachers. We figured the National League hitters hadn’t seen it.”

Outside of Cooperstown, baseball hadn’t seen such a galaxy of stars for quite a while.

Fans who were at Fenway Park for the 1999 All-Star game still rave about the scene that night for a rousing salute to Ted Williams. Tough guy Larry Walker teared up, Mark McGwire leaned in for a listen and Tony Gwynn steadied Williams for the ceremonial first pitch.

Then again, All-Star games often are about moments more than results – Reggie Jackson hitting the light tower; Cal Ripken homering in his final game; Pete Rose running over Ray Fosse.

Baseball hoped this blend of old and new would create a lasting image at a ballpark in its last season.

Gibson spent little time at Yankee Stadium.

“Only pitched there once,” he said, matter of factly.

The part he left out: That one time was Game 5 of the 1964 World Series, when he struck out 13 while going the distance in a 10-inning win.

Hank Aaron gladly shared his favorite memory at the park – Milwaukee winning Game 7 of the 1957 World Series for his only championship. That was about enough time in New York for him.

“This is not the easiest city to play in,” Aaron said. “You can’t shuck ‘n’ jive the people in this city.”

Berra and Whitey Ford sat together. They were the starting battery for the 1960 All-Star game at Yankee Stadium.

Robin Yount and Paul Molitor rode with each other, recalling their days with the Brewers. Jim Palmer and Earl Weaver shared the same pickup. Naturally, the need-to-be-perfect pitcher and his often-ornery manager sat with their backs to each other.

New Hall electees Goose Gossage and Dick Williams drew cheers.

“I’m done writing my speech, it’s about 10 minutes long. I hope I make it through,” Williams said. “Tony Gwynn told me don’t look at anyone in your family or you might not make it.”

Plenty of fans were on hand for the parade, standing four and five deep as the players rode past Radio City Music Hall. A Cardinals rooter called out to Ozzie Smith for one more All-Star performance.

“Too old, man,” the Wizard said, rubbing his back.