Edward Charles "Whitey" Ford (1928 - 2020) was a Hall of Fame Yankee pitcher from Queens who grew up playing baseball in the sandlots of Astoria before going pro; he was raised on the block now named after him.

Ford made his major league debut pitching for the Yankees in 1950 and spent his entire career with the team. He helped the Yankees win six World Series titles and 11 American League pennants in his 16 seasons. He had a career record of 236-106, setting the Yankees’ record for victories. He was the Cy Young Award winner in 1961 and was a 10-time All-Star. His 10 World Series victories are the most for any pitcher. He pitched thirty-three and two-third consecutive scoreless innings in World Series play, breaking Babe Ruth’s record. He also holds the record for World Series starts with twenty-two, innings pitched with 146 and strikeouts with 94. "Whitey" Ford was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974.