Wednesday, December 25, 2013

1962 Profile: Phil Linz

"Built along the long, lean lines of Marty Marion, 22-year-old Phil Linz has the credentials to fill the Yankee shortstop berth. In nearly five seasons in the Bombers' farm system, the bespectacled Phil has been increasing his batting average while moving up in the minors. In 1960, he led the Carolina League with .321 and last season topped the AA Texas League with a robust .349 mark. This is his first try with the Yankees."

-The New York Yankees Official 1962 Yearbook

Leading hitter in Carolina League (.321), 1960.
Leading hitter in Texas League (.349), 1961.

-1962 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide

"Twenty-three-year-old Phil Linz is one of the Yankees' top rookie prospects for the 1962 campaign. He'll be given a shot at both the vacant shortstop post and a utility berth and, on the strength of his minor league record, seems a sure bet to stick with the club.
In 1961 the 6'1", 160-pounder was the Texas League's batting king. Playing for the Bombers' Amarillo farm club, he posted a .349 batting average in 105 games. He also was with Richmond of the International League briefly during the '61 season, batting .239 in 14 contests.
A bachelor, Phil hails from Baltimore. He's a righty all the way, and while he doesn't hit for power, he can slap the ball to all fields.
Phil, who wears glasses, has good speed, both in the field and on the bases."

-The 1962 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook

LINZ'S CLASSY PINCH-HITTING
"Although Phil Linz has been overshadowed by Tom Tresh- his rookie counterpart at shortstop for the Yankees- he needs no one to make any excuses in his behalf to Ralph Houk. The Yankee manager tabs Linz as 'one of the best-looking young pinch hitters I have ever seen.'
Going into the doubleheader of August 8 with the Orioles, Linz had seven hits in 12 pinch-hitting appearances. The rookie, who led the Texas League in batting last year, also is a man-in-motion for the Yankees. He plays short, third and second, and in the outfield."

-Til Ferdenzi, The Sporting News (August 18, 1962)

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