"A member of the Yankee organization for 10 years, popular Jack Reed made it with the champions as an outfield defensive specialist. Last season he often served as Mickey Mantle's "legs," replacing the Bomber star in late innings.
But it was as the offensive hero that Jack made the headlines a year ago. It was a game he'll never forget. He hit his first major league homer in the 22nd inning at Detroit to win the longest game in baseball history, seven hours. Later in the season, with more frequent use, Reed upped his batting average to .302.
During the off-season in Mississippi, Jack took special exercises to strengthen his arms and wrists and came to spring training determined to provide offensive as well as defensive help to manager Ralph Houk. He hit well in spring, and with more regular season work (caused by a flock of early season Yankee injuries), Reed fulfilled his promise. After two months he was hitting .286."
-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook
John Burwell Reed (OF) #27
Born February 2, 1933, in Silver City, Miss., where he resides. Height: 6-1, weight: 194. Bats right, throws right.
Married and father of one son, John Jr. (7), and two girls, Gai (2) and Rae Anne (3 months).
-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook
Was defensive halfback alongside All-Pro Jimmy Patton of New York Giants at University of Mississippi, 1952.
Signed by Yankee organization, August 11, 1953.
Has played in both the Sugar Bowl (January 1, 1953) the World Series (1961).
Hit game-winning home run in longest baseball game in history (7 hours, 22 minutes) at Detroit, Yankees winning 9-7, June 24, 1962.
-1963 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
"A 30-year-old native of Silver City, Miss., Jack Reed has been used mainly by manager Ralph Houk as a late-inning defensive replacement or as a pinch-runner when needed.
But Jack really became a hero last season when he connected for the game-winning homer in the longest game in major league annals (22 innings and seven hours) in which the Yanks topped the Tigers at Detroit 9-7.
Reed, who played alongside All-Pro Jimmy Patton of the grid Giants in the Ole Miss defensive backfield in 1952, was inked by the Yankee organization in August of 1953.
He enjoyed his best season in the minors with New Orleans in 1958 when he connected with Southern Association hurling for a .309 average and 19 homers, besides pacing the circuit in at-bats, runs scored and hits."
-1963 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook
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