"There were many outstanding stories on the 1961 New York Yankees. One of these certainly was the rapid rise of rookie Roland Sheldon to regular rotation on the Yankee pitching staff. Rollie came to camp a year ago after having pitched just 150 innings of Class D ball. True, he had a 15-1 record that excited manager Ralph Houk's curiosity. Ralph liked what he saw, gave Rollie further opportunities and the 'Connecticut Yankee' made the most of them.
A veteran of two and a half years of military service, Rollie was signed off the University of Connecticut campus where he was a baseball and basketball star. In the off-season he still attends Connecticut.
Sheldon, a recent bridegroom, walked only 55 men in the 163 innings he pitched last year. In mid-season when arm miseries affected several members of the staff, Rollie filled the breach with consecutive shutouts. He slumped a bit after that but came back strong in September. Despite his sharp control, Sheldon is still working on improving this department of his work ... not just on the fast ball, but on his other pitches as well.
An 11-game winner as a rookie was highly acceptable. But Rollie Sheldon aims for an even better sophomore year ... and he doesn't care if he starts and/or relieves."
-The New York Yankees Official 1962 Yearbook
Winner of James P. Dawson Award as outstanding Yankee rookie in spring training, 1961.
Attends University of Connecticut.
-1962 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
"Rollie Sheldon was signed by the Yankees in 1960 and assigned to Auburn of the New York-Pennsylvania League. The 6'4" righty posted a fantastic 15-1 mark in Class D competition along with a splendid 2.88 earned run average, and earned a trip to the Bombers' rookie camp last Spring.
Sheldon, who came to the Yanks from the University of Connecticut, impressed Ralph Houk and pitching coach Johnny Sain and was invited to remain on with the varsity before being farmed out. When the first cuts were announced, Sheldon was still with New York.
The 24-year-old bonus baby survived the spring training camp and was promoted to the varsity prior to Opening Day.
Manager Houk used Sheldon in spots, gradually working him into the regular rotation. In his rookie year, and after less than a year in the minors, Roland Sheldon earned his spurs. He worked a total of 163 innings for the World Champs and ended the campaign with an 11-5 record. His ERA was a very respectable 3.59.
Sheldon, who was signed for a reported $50,000 bonus by New York, posted three victories over Boston and Minnesota in his freshman year, added a pair against Cleveland, and took one verdict each from Baltimore, Chicago and Los Angeles. Only the White Sox were able to beat him twice in his initial campaign as a big leaguer.
Roland, who makes his home in Woodstock, Conn., attends the University of Connecticut during the off-season. He played basketball with the UConn frosh before signing with the Bombers.
Roland left the bachelor ranks this past winter.
This Spring Sheldon was invited South early, not for a look-see, but to develop another pitch. The Yankees feel that the tall youngster will be even more effective this season, and for many more years to come.
Certainly, Roland Sheldon was the surprise of the 1961 campaign."
-The 1962 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook
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