"Headed for pitching fame is Bill Stafford, the neat working curver from Catskill, New York. Inconsistent in 1962 with 14-9, he was extremely effective in many of his victories. In three campaigns he has a 31-19 standard and an ERA of less than 3.00.
Confident and fearless, Stafford's control is amazing and the curve is his big pitch; he throws it almost exclusively when behind in the count. His father taught him the value of control with backyard targets."
-Don Schiffer, 1963 Major League Baseball Handbook
"With only two full seasons of major league pitching behind him, Bill Stafford has moved up to a front line position as a Yankee starting hurler. Perhaps too much has been expected of the 24-year-old from Athens, N.Y. (he now resides in Yonkers).
Bill's record in 1962 was not quite equal to his freshman mark of 1961. He posted the same won-lost record each season (14-9), pitched more innings (213 to 195) and increased his strikeout total (109 to 101) last season. But his earned run average was up from 2.68 to 3.68 and his usual pinpoint control was not quite up to his earlier standard.
Bill came up to the Yankees late in 1960 and was an impressive performer from the start. Even as a rookie in the World Series that fall, the elongated right-hander was effective. In three Series to date, Stafford has a combined 2.06 ERA.
He was particularly effective in the September stretch drive, winning three without a loss. Bill was 3-0 versus Minnesota last season and had a 1.70 ERA vs. Detroit. Lifetime against the Twins, Bill has a 5-0 mark. He is 4-0 against the Athletics and 3-0 versus the Red Sox but has lost all five decisions to Baltimore.
With his ability and natural progress, Bill Stafford's future should be bright."
-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook
William Charles Stafford (P) #22
Born August 13, 1938, in Catskill, NY, resides in Athens, NY. Height: 6-1, weight: 183. Bats right, throws right.
Married.
-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook
Signed by Yankee organization, June 28, 1957.
-1963 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
"For the past two seasons, Bill Stafford has compiled identical 14-9 won-lost records. To break the monotony, he's going to try for 20 this year.
A member of the Bombers' staff since the latter part of the 1960 campaign, Bill is highly regarded by the club's brain trust.
He's appeared in a World Series each year since his arrival in the big time, racking up his first postseason classic triumph against the Giants last Fall by virtue of a brilliant four-hit performance.
The Athens, N.Y. native signed with the Bomber organization in June 1957. Before receiving the call from the World Champions in '60, Stafford served his apprenticeship in St. Petersburg, Binghamton, and Richmond.
His top minor season, victory-wise, came in 1958 with Binghamton and in '60 with Richmond, capturing 11 during those campaigns.
Stafford's ERA rose from 2.68 in 1961 to 3.68 last year. Bill aims to correct that in ample fashion."
-1963 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook
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