"Replacing an All-Star shortstop is no easy task. While the Yankees have fine young talent competing for the vital shortstop berth, Manager Ralph Houk will welcome Tony Kubek when he completes his tour of duty with the Wisconsin 32nd Infantry Division. The 25-year-old veteran of five full Yankee seasons was recalled into service last November, shortly after his wedding.
In addition to being named the American League's All-Star shortstop last summer, the blond Milwaukeean also was named to the major league's mythical All-Star team by the Associated Press. He has been winning honors ever since he first donned the famed Yankee pinstripes. In 1957, Tony won the James P. Dawson Memorial Award as the top rookie in the Yankee training camp and then went on to cop Rookie of the Year honors in the American League.
Although he has played every position, except pitcher and catcher, as a Yankee, Tony was used only at short last year by Manager Houk. Kubek's Dad played in the American Association and Tony himself played in the AA under Houk at Denver in 1956. Although he has yet to hit .300 in the majors, Tony is still improving offensively and defensively and should have many valuable Yankee years ahead of him after he completes service for Uncle Sam."
-The New York Yankees Official 1962 Yearbook
American League Rookie of the Year, 1957.
Shares record for most home runs in a World Series game by a rookie (2), October 5, 1957.
All-Star shortstop, American League, 1961.
Recalled to active military duty with his Wisconsin Army Reserve unit, November 3, 1961.
Has played every position except pitcher and catcher for the Yankees.
-1962 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
REGAINING THAT OLD 'TOUCH' NO. 1 TASK FOR EX-GI TONY
Kubek Helps Pick Up Slack Caused by Mantle Injury
"Tony Kubek says the biggest obstacle he's had to overcome in fighting his way back into topflight condition is clumsiness.
Kubek, back in a Yankee uniform after nine months in service, says that regaining the proper physical condition is 'the least of my worries.'
'The big thing is to regain the touch a player has when he's in the lineup every day,' the Yankee shortstop said. 'Once I get rid of that clumsy feeling, I'll be ready to play every day- and anywhere they want me to play.'"
-The Sporting News (August 18, 1962)
OLD FRIEND GREETS KUBEK
"Ed Hurley, the only American League umpire to chase Tony Kubek from a game, extended his hand to the Yankee star when he went to bat the first time, August 7, following his release from the Army.
'He said, 'Nice to have you back. I hope you have a good year the rest of the way,' Kubek reported.
'Yes, that's what I said,' Hurley admitted, 'and I like Tony. He's a nice boy.' Hurley gave Kubek the thumb last year in his only banishment from a major league game."
-The Sporting News (August 18, 1962)
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