1994 Profile: Steve Howe

"Steve Howe would just as soon forget last season and all its bad memories. One month into the season his ERA hovered near the 20.00 mark. Fighting to get his pitching troubles in order, the lefty reliever was forced on the disabled list for a month after injuring his ankle in a freak accident at Tiger Stadium on May 6.

The fourth-year Yankee became mired in a season-long slump as he finished with a 3-5 record and 4.97 ERA in a team high 51 appearances.

'I've still got as good a fastball as anyone in baseball,' Howe says. 'I feel really blessed because my arm is still resilient. It was nothing physical. I got caught in some mental lapses and that is not usually me. I've always been able to block out anything that's been contrary to the task at hand.'

The former National League Rookie of the Year yearns for the opportunity to share in another World Championship as he did with the Dodgers in 1981. His competitive fire and bulldog temperament are the perfect combination as the left-handed closer, and the Yankees need his presence to contend in the AL East.

'I have a goal to win one more championship before I'm done,' Howe says. 'I know what it's like and I know what it feels like.' "

-The New York Yankees Official 1994 Yearbook

"Howe went 3-5 with a 4.97 ERA with four saves while pitching in a team high 51 games in 1993. He was 4-for-8 in save situations, stranded 46 of 59 baserunners (78%) and retired the first batter he faced 38 of 51 times (75%).

He began the season very slowly, did not retire a batter in two of his first three appearances and had an ERA of 81.00 (1.0 IP, 9 ER). In his first game of the season, a 15-5 loss at Cleveland on April 8, Howe allowed five hits and six earned runs while failing to retire a batter. Two appearances later, a 5-4 loss to Kansas City on April 15, he allowed three hits and three earned without retiring a batter. Steve earned his first win of the season in his fifth game, a 1-0 victory at Seattle on April 24. His first loss of the season was a 3-1 defeat against California on May 6. Steve was on the disabled list from May 7-June 5 with an ankle injury suffered while walking down the steps leading from the clubhouse to the dugout. He made a pair of starts on injury rehab assignment and went 0-1, 10-13 (2.2 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 51 pitches thrown) for the Clippers before he was activated in New York on June 5.

Howe pitched better after coming off the disabled list, going 1-2 with two saves and a 3.65 ERA in June, 1-1 with two saves and a 2.45 ERA in July, and a 2.70 ERA in August with no decisions and no saves. After the injury until the All-Star break Howe went 1-2 with three saves and a 2.84 ERA. He did not allow an earned run in seven games from June 27-July 8 (7.2 IP, 6 H).

In his first three appearances after the break, he allowed three runs in 1.2 innings to raise his ERA from 6.57 to 7.18 and did not retire a batter in two of those three games. Beginning with his next appearance on July 24 against California, Steve did not allow a run in seven games through August 7 (7 IP, 6 H). From July 24-September 3 he posted a 1.56 ERA in 15 games, dropping his ERA from 7.18 to a season low 4.95. In his last 10 appearances beginning on September 8, Steve went 0-1 with a save and a 5.06 ERA (10.2 IP, 6 ER).

In 1993 the Yankees went 22-29 in the 51 games he pitched. In seven appearances, he failed to retire a batter (13 ER). Howe led Yankee relievers in losses (5), was second among New York relievers in innings pitched (50.2) behind Rich Monteleone (85.2) and tied with John Habyan for second on the team in saves (4) behind Steve Farr (25). For the season, he allowed a career high seven home runs.

Steve was 1-1 with no saves and a 19.06 ERA when he went on the disabled list on May 7, and went 2-4 with four saves and a 3.20 ERA after he came off the DL.

In the Yankees' 10-9 loss at Seattle on April 25, he allowed a solo homer to Tino Martinez. It was the first home run by a left-handed batter off Howe since the one hit by Jose Cruz on July 4, 1983. The circuit clout by Martinez is the only one by a left-handed batter off Steve in his last 192 appearances covering 234.0 innings pitched.

In 1993 American League batters hit .297 in 195 at-bats off Steve with seven home runs, including .242 with one home run by left-handed hitters and .323 with six homers by right-handed hitters. As a Yankee, opponents have hit .238 against with eight home runs, with left-handed hitters hitting .194 with one home run.

Howe was signed by the Yankees as a free agent to a two-year contract in December of 1992. The contract extends through the 1994 season.

In 1992, Howe was placed on the Commissioner's suspended list on June 8. At the time, he had posted a 3-0 record with six saves and a 2.45 ERA in 20 games. 

Through May 4 (9 G) Steve was 3-0 with three saves and a 0.00 ERA (9.2 IP, 3 H, 1 BB, 9 K). The only home run he allowed was on May 19 against California (Bobby Rose). In his final four appearances, Steve pitched five consecutive 1-2-3 innings.

In 1992, opponents batted just .122 (9-for-74) against Steve, including .093 (5-for-54) by right-handed hitters and .200 (4-for-20, 0 BB) by left-handed hitters. He retired the first batter upon entering a game 16 of 20 times. He stranded his first 10 inherited runners through April 27 and 20 of 25 overall. 

Since joining the Yankees, Howe has allowed a .149 batting average (10-for-67, 1 BB, 13 K) to left-handed hitters, with Dave Bergman drawing the only walk (8/4/91), has allowed a .208 average (38-for-103, 9 BB, 33 K) to right-handed hitters and a .192 average (48-for-250) overall. He has walked one out of every 25 batters (10 BB, 250 AB).

He has given up two home runs in 250 at-bats, both to Bobby Rose. He has retired 46 of 57 (81%) first batters faced when entering a game and stranded 41 of 51  (80%) inherited baserunners.

Steve was placed on the Commissioner's permanent suspension list on June 24. He was reinstated by arbitrator George Nicolau on November 12 and was credited with a full year of service.

1991 was Howe's first uninterrupted season in the majors since 1982. He walked into spring training camp in Ft. Lauderdale on February 19 and then again on the 20th, impressing Yankee brass with the 90-plus MPH fastball he threw on the sidelines. Howe was invited to spring training by the Yankees on February 21.

He started the season with Columbus and had his contract purchased on May 9. At the time of his promotion, he was 2-1 with a 0.00 ERA (18.0 IP, 11 H, 1 R, 0 ER) and was tied for the International League lead in saves (5). The Clippers were 10-2 in the 12 games he pitched.

Steve made his Yankee debut on May 11 against Oakland, pitching a scoreless inning. It was his first game in the majors since October 4, 1987, when he was with the Texas Rangers.It was his first appearance at Yankee Stadium since October 28, 1981, when Steve saved the sixth (and clinching) game of the World Series as a Dodger.

He was 2-0 with a 1.50 ERA in his first eight appearances. Steve earned his first win on May 19 against Seattle, his first win since September 20, 1987. His finest month was June, going 0-0 with two saves in as many opportunities and with a minuscule 0.47 ERA over 19.0 innings (2 BB, 17 K). Steve earned his first save on June 19 at Toronto in a 3-0 Yankee win. It was his first save since September 12, 1987. He ended the month by not allowing an earned run over his final nine appearances (12.1 IP), lowering his ERA from 1.45 to 0.87.

The only home run he allowed all year came on July 27 against California (Bobby Rose), the first he had allowed since 1987. He made four appearances in August (4.2 IP, 0 ER), from August 2-10, before landing on the disabled list on August 11.

Steve was activated on September 2 after missing 22 games. Steve made his two final appearances in September, then missed the final 29 games of the season with with the tender elbow. 

Opponents hit .222 against Howe in 1991. Left-handed batters hit a club-low .128 (6-for-47) with only one walk and 13 strikeouts. Right-handed hitters batted .256. He had a 2.28 ERA at home and a 1.09 ERA on the road. He averaged 4.9 strikeouts for every walk. He retired the first hitter he faced upon entering a game 30 of 37 times. He stranded his first 11 inherited base runners through June 12 and 21 of 26 overall.

In 1979, Howe was the number one selection of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the June draft and the 16th player taken overall. The pick was originally Pittsburgh's but was obtained by the Dodgers when the Pirates signed free agent Lee Lacy. Howe spent the second half of the year with San Antonio in the Texas League, going 6-2 with a 3.13 ERA.

He was invited to the Dodger camp in 1980 as a non-roster player. He won a job out of spring training with a 94 MPH fastball. He established himself as the Dodgers' bullpen ace in earning National League's Rookie of the Year honors. Steve would be the second of four consecutive Dodgers to win the award, joining Rick Sutcliffe (1979), Fernando Valenzuela (1981) and Steve Sax (1982).

Steve was 3-1 with a 0.00 ERA in July. For the season, he set a Dodger rookie record with 17 saves, breaking the club record set by Joe Black (1952). His save total was ninth in the National League. Steve allowed only one home run over 85.0 innings, to Houston's Joe Morgan on June 24.

In 1981, Steve led the Dodgers in saves (8) and appearances (41). He appeared in seven postseason games and had a 2.45 ERA. He won Game 4 of the World Series on October 24 and pitched the final 3.2 innings to earn the save in the sixth and deciding game on October 28 at Yankee Stadium.

Steve led the Dodgers in games (66) and saves (13) in 1982 while posting the lowest ERA  (2.08) on the staff. He matched his career best with seven wins and was the only Dodger pitcher to be involved in 20 of the club's victories.

He was selected to the National League All-Star team after going 5-1 with a 1.69 ERA in the first half. He had a 1.84 ERA over 11 games in September. After the 1982 season, Steve spent five weeks at the Meadows, a drug rehabilitation facility in Wickenburg, Arizona.

Steve began 1983 going 2-0 with seven saves and not allowing an earned run through May 17. At that time he entered the CareUnit in Orange, CA, for further treatment. He returned to the active list on June 29 and was placed on a probationary program.

He was suspended by the Dodgers for the first time on July 16 after reporting three hours late for a game the previous day but was reinstated on July 17 after tests failed to show any prohibited substances. He was suspended for a second time on September 23 and missed the remainder of the season.

Despite his problems, Steve set career bests with 18 saves and a 1.44 ERA. He allowed just five bases on balls in 68.2 innings, giving up only two home runs.

He sat out the 1984 season, serving a one-year suspension for substance abuse imposed in December of 1983 by Commissioner Bowie Kuhn. Howe filed a grievance out of court and it was agreed that he would sit out the remainder of the season to concentrate on his rehabilitation. As part of the agreement, the suspension was lifted.

Howe spent one month in the Arizona Instructional League that fall and was 0-0 with a 0.00 ERA over five games (8.0 IP, 6 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 8 K). On October 22 he signed a contract to play in the Dominican Winter League. He was pitching for Licey when after three appearances, he experienced a sore left elbow. On January 9 Steve underwent surgery to reroute the ulnar nerve in his left elbow.

He started the 1985 season with the Dodgers. On June 23 Steve did not arrive until the 7th inning of a game and was fined by the club. On June 29, he failed to appear at a charity dinner for which he was the chairman and did not appear for the Dodgers the following day. He was placed on the restricted list by the Dodgers on July 1 and released on July 3.

Steve was signed by the Minnesota Twins as a free agent on August 12. He made his American League debut that night and picked up the win, pitching 3.2 scoreless relief innings against Oakland. He pitched 5.0 scoreless innings in his first two appearances for the Twins. Steve's other win came with 3.2 scoreless innings against Milwaukee on September 3.

With the club's approval, he missed a team flight from Chicago to Cleveland on September 12 so he could appear on ABC's Nightline. He missed the team's five-game series in Cleveland before contacting club officials and admitting a relapse. Steve was released by the Twins on September 17.

Prior to the 1986 season, Steve signed with the Class-A San Jose Bees, an independent team in the California League. He was sidelined on May 1 when a drug test administered by the Commissioner's Office proved positive. Howe contested the results of that test and pitched without permission on May 14 resulting in a suspension by Commissioner Peter Ueberroth. He was reinstated on June 24 after undergoing additional therapy.

Howe was suspended again three weeks later when another test proved positive. A second test taken later that day showed no trace of drugs. Overall in '86, he was 3-2 with two saves and a 1.47 ERA for San Jose.

In 1987 Steve pitched briefly in June for Tabasco in the Class-AAA Mexican League, allowing four hits and no runs over 23.0 innings. He left when his wife Cindy was expecting the couple's second child. He was signed by the Texas Rangers to a Triple-A Oklahoma City contract on July 12.

He had his contract purchased by Texas on August 6 after not allowing a run in his final three appearances (7.1 P). He appeared in 24 games (all relief) for the Rangers and posted a 4.31 ERA. Steve ended the season by not allowing a run over his final six games (8.1 IP). He was released on January 17, 1988, following the violation of his After-Care Program for substance abuse.

After sitting out the 1988 and 1989 seasons, Steve spent 1990 at Class-A Salinas, an independent team in the California League. He had minor surgery on June 9 at the Antelope Valley Hospital Medical Center in Lancaster, CA. Steve was expected to be out for a short period of time but developed a near-fatal blood clot in his lung as a result of the surgery and did not return until August 8.

Prior to the surgery, he pitched nine scoreless innings. He was appointed player-pitching coach a month into the season when the Salinas pitching coach left.

Steve played winter ball for Mazatlan in the Mexican League. He appeared in 11 regular-season games and had a 1.23 ERA over 14.2 innings (15 H, 3 BB, 9 K). He had two saves and finished six games. Steve appeared in seven postseason games and was 0-0 with a save and a 4.26 ERA over 12.2 innings. Combined for the season, he was 0-1 with three saves and a 2.63 ERA (27.1 IP, 27 H).

Steve is the all-time winningest pitcher at the University of Michigan despite playing just three years for the Wolverines. He was 27-8 with a 1.79 ERA (265.2 IP, 53 ER) over 41 games. He also fanned 196 batters.

He was 9-3, 1.87 as a freshman (1977); 11-3, 1.78 as a sophomore (1978) and 7-2, 1.76 as a junior (1979). As a sophomore, he shared the Ray L. Fisher Most Valuable Player award with teammate Rick Leach. Steve pitched a 1-hit shutout over Baylor in a 4-0 win to open the 1978 College World Series. He was an All-Big Ten selection in his last two seasons.

Steve graduated from Clarkson High School (Pontiac, MI) in 1976. He enjoys carpentry and hunting."

-1994 New York Yankees Information Guide

Named left-handed pitcher on The Sporting News College Baseball All-America Team, 1979.

Named National League Rookie of the Year by the Baseball Writers Association of America, 1980.

-1994 New York Yankees Information Guide

Steven Roy Howe "Steve" (P)     #57

Born March 10, 1958, in Pontiac, Michigan, resides in Whitefish, Montana. Height: 6-1, weight: 180. Bats left, throws left.

Married, Cindy (6/16/79), and father of Chelsea (10) and Brian (6). Attended University of Michigan.

Major League Service: 8 years, 161 days. Opening Day Age: 36.

-1994 New York Yankees Information Guide

R.I.P. Zach Monroe

1994 Profile: Luis Polonia

"The timing could not have been better for Luis Polonia's return to the Bronx. In fact, despite his rather diminutive 5-8, 160-pound frame, the fleet left fielder should have a huge impact on Yankee fortunes in '94.

Last season, the Yankees were expecting Bernie Williams to be their leadoff hitter but realized that the center fielder was more comfortable and productive batting sixth. Enter the scrappy Polonia, who has shown all the tools of a quality leadoff man. His speed and ability to make contact at the plate give the Yankees a sparkplug at the top of the order and one of their few base stealing threats.

After a brief stint with the Yankees during the 1989 and 1990 seasons in which he hit over .300, the 29-year-old spent the next three-plus seasons with California, leading the Angels in stolen bases each year. In 1992 he was voted team MVP, and last season hit .271 in 152 games including a career-high 55 stolen bases.

With Polonia serving as a catalyst, setting the table for Wade Boggs, Don Mattingly and Danny Tartabull, the Yankees' offense could easily improve on its very potent performance of 1993."

-The New York Yankees Official 1994 Yearbook

"Free agent Angel left fielder signed a two-year contract in December that gives the Yankees a new leadoff hitter. One note of caution: his batting average slipped for the third consecutive year from a high of .335 in 1990. He stole a career high 55 bases but was caught 24 times.

The Angels got Polonia from the Yankees for Claudell Washington and Rich Monteleone in April of 1990. He spent time in jail between the 1990 and 1991 seasons after his arrest in Milwaukee for having sex with a 15-year-old girl.

Born October 12, 1964, in Santiago, Dominican Republic, he was originally signed by the Athletics as an undrafted free agent in January of 1984."

-Tony DeMarco, Fort Worth Star-Telegram and Tom Pedulla, Gannett Newspapers, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1994 Edition

"For California in 1993 Polonia hit .271 with a home run and 32 RBIs with a career high 55 stolen bases in 79 attempts. He led the Angels in stolen bases for the third straight season, the first Angel to do so since Gary Pettis led the team in steals from 1983-86. Polonia's 174 stolen bases as an Angel rank second on the team's all-time list behind Pettis (186). He and Chad Curtis were both caught stealing 24 times, an Angels team record and the most in the league. On May 24 at Seattle, Luis was caught stealing three times to set a club record.

He stole 10 consecutive bases from June 14-30. Before the All-Star break he stole 25 bases in 39 attempts and after the break he stole 30 bases in 40 attempts.

His .271 batting average was the lowest of his professional career. Luis had a season high 11-game hitting streak from July 10-24, and his longest hitless streak was 22 at-bats from June 16-21. He hit his only home run of the season on June 25 at Seattle off Tim Leary, his first circuit clout in 935 at-bats.

Luis did not hit into a double play until June 7, making him the second-to-last player in the American League (Devon White) to do so. He finished the season with seven times grounded into a double play, once for every 82 at-bats.

For the season, he played in 152 games, second most on the club to Chilli Davis (153). Polonia led the team in triples (6), including two on April 7 at Milwaukee, tying the club record. He recorded eight sacrifice bunts. He hit .316 on turf and .262 on grass.

Polonia combined with Tim Salmon and Chad Curtis for 37 assists, more than any other outfield trio in California history. On August 16 he had two assists against Detroit. For the season, he committed five errors in 304 chances.

Luis signed a two-year contract with New York in December 1993. The contract runs through the 1995 season.

In 1992 Luis was chosen by his teammates as the winner of the Owners' Trophy, given annually to the Angels' MVP. He led the club in at-bats (577), runs (83), hits (165), total bases (190), sacrifice bunts (8), stolen bases (51), times caught stealing (21) and times grounded into double plays (18). Polonia became the first Angel to lead the team in hits for three consecutive years (128, 179, 165). His 144 singles tied the team record for a left-handed hitter (Mickey Rivers, 1975) and was fourth in the American League.

He was one of only four players (Omar Vizquel, Ozzie Smith, Jose Lind) with at least 502 at-bats without a home run. He was the 13th player in major league history to steal at least 50 bases without hitting a homer.

Polonia was fourth in the league in stolen bases and tied for the league lead in steals of third (12). He stole 21 bases in June, a California club record, including 12 straight from June 7-17. He tied the Angels club record with four stolen bases on June 10 at Chicago, and set another team record the following day in Chicago with six steals in two games. Polonia stole home on June 21 at Seattle and on August 21 at New York, becoming just the third Angel to record at least two steals of home in a season (Pettis 2 in 1985; Jose Cardenal 3 in 1965). 

In 1992 Luis hit .303 against right-handed pitching and .227 against left-handers. He played 47 games as the designated hitter and led the Angels' DH spot in batting average (.314), runs (30), triples (2), stolen bases (15), walks (12) and on-base percentage (.356). He had a pair of season high eight-game hitting streaks (April 20-May 7, May 9-18).

Luis was suspended for three games (September 30-October 2) for a September 15 incident at Seattle involving pitcher Eric Gunderson and an ejection.

In 1991, Polonia became the sixth player in Angels history to lead the team in hits for consecutive years. His 179 hits tied Rod Carew for the most by a left-handed hitter in club history. Polonia's .332 road batting average ranked fourth in the American League and he hit .383 on turf. He led the league in times caught stealing (23) and ranked fifth in singles (141).

Luis hit his second career inside-the-park home run on August 9 off Oakland's Dave Stewart. He had a season high 13-game hitting streak from August 5-18. He had eight infield hits and led the Angels with eight triples for the second straight year.

He was signed as a free agent by the Oakland A's organization in January 1984. In 1985 at Class AA Huntsville, his 18 triples fell one short of the Southern League record held by Alvin Davis. Polonia finished with 39 stolen bases and a .359 on-base percentage. In 1986 at Class AAA Tacoma, he led the Pacific Coast League in at-bats (549) and hits (165) and was fourth in stolen bases (36). He 13 multi-hit games.

In 1987 Luis collected his first major league hit on April 25 off Seattle's Scott Bankhead and hit his first major league home run off Boston's Calvin Schiraldi. He had a team high 17-game hitting streak from May 2-June 1 (.450 batting average).

For the season, he led Oakland with 29 stolen bases in 36 attempts and had 10 triples, second most in Oakland history behind Phil Garner (12 in 1976). He led the team with a .343 batting average with runners in scoring position.

Luis began the 1988 season at Tacoma and was hitting .335 with 31 stolen bases in 65 games when he was recalled to Oakland on June 15. He played in 82 of the A's last 89 games. On September 9 against Kansas City, Luis went 5-for-5 with three RBIs and five runs scored.

On June 21, 1989, he was acquired by the Yankees with pitchers Eric Plunk and Greg Cadaret in exchange for Rickey Henderson. At the time of the trade he was hitting .286 with a homer and 17 RBIs. He hit .311 against left-handed pitching, .318 after the break and .376 in Yankee Stadium.

In 1990, Luis was acquired by the Angels on April 29 in exchange for outfielder Claudell Washington and pitcher Rich Monteleone. He hit a career high .336 for California but finished 66 plate appearances short of qualifying for the batting title. He led the AL in batting average against right-handed pitchers (341). Luis hit .386 over the last two months of the season, and on August 14 hit his first career inside-the-park home run, a grand slam, off New York's Tim Leary.

Luis attended San Francisco High School in the Dominican Republic."

-1994 New York Yankees Information Guide

Luis Andrew Polonia (OF)     #17

Born December 10, 1964, in Santiago City, Dominican Republic, where he resides. Ht.: 5-8, Wt.: 160. Bats left, throws left. 

Major league service: Six years, 110 days. Opening Day age: 29.

-1994 New York Yankees Information Guide

Led Pacific Coast League in at-bats (549), 1986.

Led Pacific Coast League in hits (165), 1986.

Led American League in batting average against right-handed pitchers (.341), 1990.

Led American League in times caught stealing (23), 1991.

Led American League in times caught stealing (21), 1992.

Tied for American League in times caught stealing (24), 1993.

-1994 New York Yankees Information Guide

1994 Profile: Jimmy Key

"How important was starter Jimmy Key to last season's Yankee squad? Let's count the ways.

The lefty led the team in wins (18), ERA  (3.00), shutouts (2), innings pitched (236.2) and strikeouts (173). In addition, Key was 11-3 in 22 starts following Yankee losses; was the American League's Pitcher of the Month for April with a 3-0 mark and 0.93 ERA; was named to the 1993 American League All-Star team; and finished fourth in the Cy Young Award voting. Not bad for a guy who was third on the Yankees' Most Wanted Free Agent List.

After coming over from the Toronto Blue Jays, the lefty was considered a quality number-three pitcher but turned into the staff's ace. Considering that in his 10 no-decisions he left the game with a lead six times, Key was staring a 20-plus win season in the face.

'When I go on the field, I'm going to find a way to keep us in the game,' says Key. 'To me, when you're a starting pitcher, that's your job.' "

-The New York Yankees Official 1994 Yearbook

"The Yankees hope for another big season from this 1993 Cy Young contender whom they signed as a free agent prior to last season.

The veteran rewarded the Yankees by achieving a career high in victories. Key owned an 11-2 record with a 2.31 ERA at the All-Star break and was named to the All-Star team for the third time.  He finished the season tied with the White Sox' Alex Fernandez for third in victories (18), was third in ERA (3.00) and was third in winning percentage (.750).

Key bears close watching after working his highest number of innings since 1987. He's the only major league pitcher to post 12 or more victories in each of the last of the last nine seasons.

He's a smart, poised pitcher who has never allowed a grand slam. He won the ERA title with a 2.76 mark for the Blue Jays in 1987 and placed second to Roger Clemens in the Cy Young voting that year.

Born April 22, 1961, in Huntsville, Alabama, he was Toronto's third-round choice in the 1982 draft."

-Tony DeMarco, Fort Worth Star Telegram and Tom Pedulla, Gannett Newspapers, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1994 Edition

"Key became the ace of the staff in his first year as a Yankee by putting together one of the best seasons of his career. He went 18-8 with a 3.00 ERA, four complete games and two shutouts in 34 starts. He was among the American League leaders in nine pitching categories and established career highs in wins and strikeouts (173). Key finished fourth in the Cy Young voting behind Jack McDowell, Randy Johnson and Kevin Appier.

He began the season 3-0 with a 0.93 ERA and a shutout to earn AL Pitcher of the Month honors. It was his best start since going 4-0 in 1991.

Jimmy was the Yankees' ninth consecutive different Opening Day starter and earned the 9-1 win by throwing just 71 pitches in 8.0 innings. He improved his career Opening Day record to 4-0 with a 2.42 ERA (26.0 IP, 7 ER).

In the Yankees' 5-4 loss to Kansas City on April 15, he left the game after 8.0 innings (3 H) with a 4-0 lead, but the Royals scored five runs in the ninth off Steve Howe and Steve Farr. On April 21 at Oakland, Rickey Henderson led off the fourth inning with a home run, snapping Key's 23-inning scoreless streak that began on April 5. It was the longest scoreless streak of Jimmy's career and the seventh longest by a Yankee. On April 27 at California, he hurled his second career 1-hitter (the other on August 22, 1986, at Chicago) and his first complete game of the season in a 5-0 Yankee win. 

Jimmy was named American League Pitcher of the Month for April after going 3-0 with a 0.93 ERA and a shutout. Other April highlights included the 1-hitter and the 23-inning scoreless streak (4/5-21). His scoreless streak was the longest by a Yankee starter since Andy Hawkins in 1989 (23.0 IP), and the longest by a Yankee left-handed starter since Tom Underwood in 1980. Jimmy's previous best was 21.0 innings with Toronto. After the 23-inning streak was stopped, Jimmy had a 16.2-inning scoreless streak from April 21-May 2.

He became the first Yankee to win a Player of the Month award since Dave Winfield in April 1988, the first Yankee pitcher since Dave Righetti in August 1985 and the first Yankee starting pitcher since Ron Guidry in August 1981.

In a 7-6, 12-inning Yankee loss at Detroit on May 7, Key left the game after 7.0 innings pitched with a 6-2 lead after New York had a 6-0 lead after six innings. He lost his first decision of the season in his eighth start, a 4-1 loss on May 12 at Milwaukee. It was Jimmy's first loss since September 8, 1992, ending a streak in which he had gone 10-0, 1.80 in 16 games and 14 starts.

His season ERA didn't go over 2.00 until his 5-2 loss at Boston on May 23 (2.18 ERA). Key recorded his second shutout and second complete of the season on May 28 against Chicago, throwing a 3-hitter in a 4-0 win. He struck out Bo Jackson in the second inning for the 1,000th strikeout of his career.

In six June starts Key went 5-0 with a 3.08 ERA, winning four straight from June 13-28. He earned the 5-0 win over Minnesota on June 18 but left that game when he began to develop a blister on his left index finger. On June 23 at Toronto he made his first start against his former team and getting the 4-3 win. John Olerud went 0-for-4 in that game, snapping his 26-game hitting streak, the longest in the majors in 1993.

In a 7-6 Yankee loss at Oakland on July 4th, Key left the game with a 6-2 lead but the A's scored five runs in the eighth off Bobby Munoz and Steve Farr. On July 9 at California, he threw his second complete game of the season against the Angels, giving up five hits in a 3-2 New York win.

At the break, Jimmy was 11-2, 2.31 with three complete games and two shutouts to earn his third All-Star Game selection. In the American League's 9-3 win at Baltimore's Camden Yards he pitched one inning (2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 K). Key was the first Yankee pitcher selected for the midsummer classic since Scott Sanderson in 1991 and the first Yankee left-hander chosen since Dave Righetti in 1987.

In the 10-3 Yankee win over Oakland on July 16, Key tied his career high (1987) with his eighth straight win. That winning streak was snapped in a 10-3 loss to Seattle on July 21, his first loss since May 23, and he lost again in a 5-2 New York loss at Detroit on July 28, the only time all season Jimmy lost consecutive starts and consecutive decisions.

He threw his fourth complete game of the season in a 5-4 win over Toronto on August 5 (6 H). In an 8-4 loss at Cleveland on August 28, he pitched his shortest outing of the season (3.1 IP, 10 H, 6 ER). His ERA jumped to 3.02 from 2.79 as a result of that outing.

Key was the winning pitcher in the 4-3 win over Boston on September 18, when fan interference allowed the Yankees to score three runs with two outs in the bottom of the ninth. He tied his career high with 10 strikeouts (6.0 IP) in that game. In his final start of the season he was the winning pitcher in an 8-3 Yankee victory at Baltimore on September 29 for his career high 18th victory, the most by a Yankee since Dennis Rasmussen won 18 in 1986.

Key was named the left-handed pitcher on the Sporting News All-Star team. His 18 wins ranked second in the American League among left-handed pitchers (Randy Johnson, 19). The Yankees had a record of 24-10 in his 34 starts, and Key had a record of 11-3 in 22 starts following New York losses. He pitched at least seven innings in 20 of 34 starts and made 27 quality starts (6.0 IP and no more than 3 ER). Jimmy led the team with 18 wins, a 3.00 ERA, 34 starts, two shutouts, 236.1 innings pitched, 26 homers and 173 strikeouts, and tied with Jim Abbott with four complete games. He became the first Yankee with two shutouts since Scott Sanderson in 1991. He established career highs in wins, strikeouts and home runs allowed.

He led the American League in fewest walks per nine innings and his eight-game winning streak (5/28-7/16) tied for the longest in the league. He was third in ERA and winning percentage (.750), tied for fourth in wins, tied for fifth in shutouts, eighth in strikeouts, tied for eighth in homers and ninth in innings pitched.

In his 10 no-decisions in 1993, Jimmy left six games with leads, including three games (4/15, 5/7, 7/4) with four-run leads. The Yankees scored 197 runs (5.8 runs/start) in his 34 starts and hit .301 with 41 homers. Jimmy was caught by Mike Stanley (17 games), Matt Nokes (16) and Jim Leyritz (1). The bullpen stranded six of the eight runners he left on base. His ERA in innings 1-3 was 2.82 (102.0 IP, 86 H, 32 ER); innings 4-6, 2.76 (98.0 IP, 99 H, 30 ER); innings 7-9, 4.17 (36.2 IP, 34 H, 17 ER). Opposing batters hit .246 against Key in 1993, including .256 (6HR) by left-handed batters and .245 (20 HR) by right-handed batters

He went 2-2,  4.41 in seven day starts and 16-4, 2.64 in 27 night starts. He went 16-4, 2.84 in 30 starts on grass fields and 2-1 4.28 on turf. Five times Jimmy allowed two home runs in a game and on August 28 at Cleveland allowed three home runs. He has not allowed a grand slam in his career (1932.1 IP), the most innings among active pitchers.

Key became just the fifth Yankee pitcher to win at least 17 games in his first season with the club (Hunter 23 in 1975, Figueroa 19 in 1976, Ellis 17 in 1976, John 21 in 1979). He is the only pitcher in the majors with at least 12 wins in each of the last nine major league seasons. His 73 wins in the last five seasons is tied for tenth (with Jack McDowell) and is the fourth highest by a left-hander (Tom Glavine 86, Chuck Finley 75, Mark Langston 74). Entering the 1994 season, Key ranks 20th among active pitchers in wins and seventh among active left-handers in wins.

Since losing to Chicago on September 2, 1992, Key has started 41 games (43 appearances), including six starts to end the 1992 season, three postseason appearances in 1992 (with one start) and 34 starts in 1993. Since that loss to the Sox, Jimmy is 25-6 with a 2.79 ERA (283.2 IP).

He signed a four-year free agent contract in December 1992. The contract extends through the 1996 season.

Key was one of four Blue Jay starters to post double figures in wins in 1992. His 13 wins tied for third most in the American League among left-handed pitchers (tied with Mark Langston, Frank Tanana and Viola) behind Dave Fleming (17) and John Smiley (16). He ranked second on the staff in innings and third in shutouts.

Opponents hit .248 against Jimmy, including a .176 batting average (23-for-131) by left-handed batters and .261 by right-handed batters. Only two of the 24 home runs he allowed were to left-handed hitters, Ken Griffey, Jr. and Harold Baines.

He posted a 5-1 record with a 2.22 ERA during the September stretch run. He pitched three scoreless relief innings in the playoffs against Oakland. Key pitched twice (one start) in the World Series against Atlanta and was 2-0 with a 1.00 ERA, including a win in relief in the sixth and deciding game in Atlanta.

Key ranks third all-time among Blue Jays pitchers in wins (116) and is the winningest left-hander in Blue Jays history. He ranks third in innings pitched (1695.2), strikeouts (944), games started (250), shutouts (8) and ERA (3.42).

He was selected by the Blue Jays in the third round of the 1982 June free agent draft. He was scouted by Tim Wilkin. He started the 1983 season at AA Knoxville and was 2-1 with a 0.70 ERA in April, earning organizational Pitcher of the Month honors. Jimmy threw a 2-hitter on April 14 at Savannah. He was promoted to AAA Syracuse where he went 5-8.

Key was invited to spring training in 1984 as a non-roster invitee. He was the only Blue Jays rookie to remain on the 25-man roster the entire season. He made his major league debut on April 6 at California, earning the win in an 11-5 victory. His first big league save came on April 13 at Texas in a 3-2 win.

His first major league season was spent in the bullpen. Key set the club rookie mark for saves (10) and the team record for games (63), ninth best in the American League.

1985 was his first year in the starting rotation. Jimmy ranked among AL leaders in ERA (3.00, 4th), winning percentage (.700, 5th) and fewest walks per nine innings (2.1, 10th). He did not lose consecutive starts all season.

Jimmy made his starting debut on April 12, losing at Baltimore, 7-2. On May 1, he beat the Angels, 6-3, becoming the first Blue Jays left-handed starter to win since Paul Mirabella on October 4, 1980, at Boston, a span of 614 games. On May 20 Key tossed his first complete game against Chicago in a 6-1 win. On June 6 against Detroit he carried a no-hitter into the ninth inning and left after the tenth inning pitching a 2-hit shutout. 

From May 1 to June 27 he won six straight decisions. From June 1 to 16 he pitched 18 consecutive scoreless innings. Key pitched in the All-Star Game, retiring the only batter he faced.

After starting 1986 0-3 with a 13.50 ERA in his first seven starts, Jimmy was 14-8 with a 2.70 ERA the rest of the way. He finished tied for fifth in the AL in starts (35) and 11th in ERA (3.57). He was 9-4 against clubs with a better than .500 record. The only home run he allowed by a left-handed batter was hit by Rich Gedman.

Jimmy threw his first career shutout against Chicago on May 22, tossing a 1-hitter. He allowed only a 5th inning single to Ozzie Guillen. He was 3-2 with a 2.09 ERA in June earning Labatt's Blue Pitcher of the Month honors. On July 10 against Seattle, he fanned a career best-tying 10 batters.

In 1987 Key was 17-8 with a league leading 2.76 ERA, finishing second in the AL Cy Young voting to Roger Clemens, and was named to Baseball America's AL all-star team. He was the Labatt's Blue Pitcher of the Year and earned three monthly Labatt's honors. He was named Alabama's Pro Athlete of the Year.

Key posted a career best six-game winning streak from July 16-September 25. For the season he averaged a team leading 7.1 innings per outing.

He pitched the 1988 season opener at Kansas City, earning the win in a 5-3 victory and becoming the first Blue Jay pitcher to win consecutive Opening Day starts. After an April 13 loss to the Yankees, Jimmy experienced soreness in his left elbow.

He was on the 15-day disabled list on April 15, undergoing arthroscopic surgery on May 4. The surgery, performed by Dr. James Andrews, removed two bone chips. Placed on the 21-day disabled list on May 16, Jimmy was on a medical rehabilitation stint at Dunedin from June 10-27.

Upon activation Jimmy won his first four starts. He was 3-1 with a 2.24 ERA in July, earning Labatt's Player of the Month honors. Jimmy finished fourth in the league in winning percentage (.706) and tied for eighth in shutouts (2). He participated in the Major League tour of Japan after the season.

In his third consecutive Opening Day assignment in 1989, Key won in Kansas City, 4-3, on April 3. He also beat KC in Toronto's final home opener at Exhibition Stadium, winning 3-0 on April 14. On April 24 at Oakland, he fanned a career best tying 10 batters. He pitched back-to-back complete games on May 10 and 15 against Seattle and Cleveland. Key won a season best four straight games from May 10-26 and held opponents to three earned runs or less in nine of his first 12 starts.

The Blue Jays starter in their SkyDome opener on June 5 against Milwaukee, he took the loss in a 5-3 Toronto defeat. From May 31-August 3, Jimmy had a tough stretch, going 1-11 with a 5.74 ERA in 13 starts. Included was a career worst seven-game losing skid from June 25-August 3. From August 4-19 he was on the 15-day DL with mild inflammation of the left shoulder.

Upon his return Jimmy went 4-0 in his first four starts and won his first five decisions. He was 6-1 with a 3.40 ERA in his first nine starts after being reactivated.

Jimmy was the winning pitcher in the club's only victory in the ALCS (Game 3), a 7-3 win on October 6 against Oakland.  For the regular season, he ranked first in the American League in fewest walks per nine innings (1.1) and 10th in starts (33).

He underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left shoulder on October 24. Performed by Dr. Andrews, the surgery was to repair a partial tear of the left rotator cuff.

Key went 4-1 in his first six starts of 1990. On May 22 at Oakland, he pulled a muscle in his right hamstring and was on the disabled list from May 23-June 22. Included was a three-start rehabilitation stint at Dunedin.

He posted a 2.12 ERA in July, followed by a 3-1 August that earned him Labatt's Blue Pitcher of the Month honors. On August 7 against Detroit, Key pitched a season high 8.1 innings. On September 14 against Baltimore, he pitched five innings of no-hit ball before leaving with a slight twinge in his right hamstring.

Jimmy won four of his last five decisions and was 7-5 with a 2.95 ERA in 17 starts upon activation from the DL. He had a 4:1 strikeout to walk ratio, tops among Blue Jay starters. He allowed just 22 walks in 154.2 innings, best on the club, and left-handed hitters batted hit just .182 against him.

In 1991 Jimmy was 4-0 with a 1.86 ERA in April. His highlights included a 2-hit shutout of the Brewers on April 14. From May 12-June 13 he won six consecutive decisions.

On June 13 against Cleveland he pitched another 2-hit shutout. Key made his 200th career start on June 29 against Seattle. He left in the 5th inning leading 2-0, when he was hit on the index finger by an Omar Vizquel line drive. From June 13-30, he had a string of 33.1 walkless innings.

Key was 3-1 with a 1.65 ERA in June, earning Labatt's Blue Pitcher of the Month honors. He was 10-4 with a 2.23 ERA at the break and made his second All-Star Game appearance, on July 9 at SkyDome, earning the win. On August 26 at Baltimore, he earned career win No. 100.

He was 13-6 while not allowing a home run and 11-6 on four days rest. His road earned run average of 2.64 was second best in the American League.

Jimmy attended Clemson University, where he met his wife Cindy. Both were at Clemson on athletic scholarships, Jimmy for baseball and Cindy for swimming. He was majoring in parks and recreation administration.

He was an All-Conference player in 1982 as a pitcher/designated hitter, leading the club in innings (116.0) and ERA (2.79) while compiling a 9-3 record. He was team MVP, named first-team Atlantic Coast Conference pitcher and designated hitter and was selected to the All-Regional team.

Jimmy had a career .300 batting average while hitting a school best 21 doubles. He pitched in the College World Series as a freshman and in the Regionals on two occasions.

He and Cindy made a substantial donation to H.E.L.P., an organization aiding New York City's homeless. The donation was matched by the Yankees.

Jimmy enjoys hunting and fishing."

-1994 New York Yankees Information Guide

Named American League Pitcher of the Year by the Sporting News, 1987.

Named left-handed pitcher on the Sporting News American League All-Star Team, 1987.

Led American League pitchers in earned run average (2.76), 1987.

Named left-handed pitcher on the Sporting News American League All-Star Team, 1993.

Led American League pitchers in fewest walks per nine innings (1.6), 1993.

Tied American League pitchers for longest winning streak, (8), 1993.

Named American League Pitcher of the Month, April 1993.

-1994 New York Yankees Information Guide

James Edward Key "Jimmy" (P)     #22

Born April 22, 1961, in Huntsville, Alabama, resides in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Height: 6-1, Weight: 185. Bats right, throws left. Attended Clemson University. 

Married, Cindy (9/24/83), and father of Jordan (5). 

Major league service: 10 years, 0 days. Opening Day age: 32.

-1994 New York Yankees Information Guide

R.I.P. Jesus Montero

R.I.P. Sandy Alomar

R.I.P. Bob Oldis