1964 New York Yankees Owner and Management Profiles

DAN TOPPING and DEL WEBB (Co-Owners)
"As in most other endeavors, the success of a baseball team begins in the front office. The glamor is on the playing field where most of the fans' attention is correctly centered. Players, of course, win the ball games, but there is no substitute for dedication, hard work and experience when it comes to successful ball club management.
These certainly are contributing factors in the Yankees' long reign as a baseball power. Under the devoted and astute direction of Co-Owners Dan Topping and Del Webb, the New York Yankees have been successful. Both men have a variety of other occupational interests, but the Yankees always have been the prime concern of both co-owners.
Dan Topping serves as the active executive head of the club, as he resides in New York. While he has many other interests and serves on the board of directors of numerous corporations, Dan gives most of his time to the Yankees. An avid sportsman, Topping has been a successful golfer, a good college ball player, and he enjoys boating and fishing. He was owner of the New York Yankees pro football team in the old All-American Conference, and before that of the Brooklyn Football Dodgers. But for nearly two decades his loyalties have been to the Yankees.
Del Webb got his start as a professional ball player and was a promising pitcher 'on the way up' when an injury forced his retirement as an active player. He turned to carpentry and from there to the construction business. Today he is the chief executive officer of one of the nation's largest and most successful construction firms, the Del E. Webb Corporation. While he travels constantly in his multitude of activities, Webb nevertheless finds time to see his Yankees in spring training as well as frequently during the season. And he can always be seen at the Yanks' Old Timers' Day, All-Star games, the World Series and wherever baseball people gather.
The fact that the Yankees have brought the best in baseball entertainment to fans at Yankee Stadium for so many years is not an accident. Dan Topping and Del Webb are determined to keep the team strong, the Stadium comfortable and the fans happy. Since their baseball association began at the close of World War II, Topping and Webb have helped the Yankees bring 14 American League pennants and an equally incredible 10 World Championships to the Home of Champions."

-The New York Yankees Official 1964 Yearbook

RALPH HOUK (General Manager)
"The move from the field to the front office results in Ralph Houk's advancement forward. This remarkable rise from a minor league rookie in 1939 to General Manager of the most famous and successful sports organization in history is a typical American success story. Ralph never made it 'big' as a catcher, particularly playing in the shadow of Yogi Berra. He was tabbed early by the Yanks for bigger things. He had already established himself as an outstanding leader of men with a brilliant war combat record. After three successful years as Denver manager, he returned for three more years as first assistant to Casey Stengel. And then he piloted the Yankees to three consecutive pennants, two World Championships and won Manager of the Year designation last season.
In his new post, Ralph is dedicated to the task of keeping the Yankees strong while presenting the best baseball anywhere for the legion of loyal Yankee fans in Greater New York and across the nation."

-The New York Yankees Official 1964 Yearbook

"Ralph Houk, known as the Major throughout his major league career, is now the Yankees' majordomo by virtue of his promotion from field boss to general manager last October.
Houk, who led the Bombers to three pennants and two world championships in his three years as pilot, was given a four-year contract upon assuming his new position.
Explaining why he gave up his role as manager at the comparatively young age of 44, Houk declared, 'There was no way I could turn down this job. Such opportunities do not come along very often. It not only offers a challenge but added security. It seems that more managers get fired than general managers.'
Houk, who guided his club to the flag in 1963 despite injuries to stars Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris, was named the American League Manager-Of-The-Year by both the Associated Press and United Press International.
Houk, the youngest man ever given the GM portfolio by the Yanks, was born in Lawrence, Kansas on August 9, 1919, the fourth of five children. Ralph, a high school baseball, football and track star, chose not to accept a collegiate athletic scholarship. He decided on a contract with the Yankee organization instead, being signed by the late scout Bill Essick in 1938.
Ralph performed on various Yank farms until entering the Army in 1942 as a private. Before being discharged as a major, he served with valor and distinction in Europe, being awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart and four campaign ribbons.
Joining the Yankees in 1947 as a third-string catcher, Ralph played in only 91 major league contests through 1954 without ever connecting for a home run.
Houk's first managerial test occurred in Denver in 1955. He remained at the Bears' helm until appointed Bomber first base coach in 1958 under pilot Casey Stengel, whom he was to succeed after the 1960 season."

-1964 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook

J. ARTHUR FRIEDLUND (Secretary and General Counsel)
"Affiliated with the Yankees as secretary and general counsel during all of the Topping-Webb regime, Art Friedlund is a successful Chicago attorney. He serves as a director and counsel for many important firms in the country. Though illness prevented his usual activity with the Yankees last year, he expects to see the club frequently in 1964."

-The New York Yankees Official 1964 Yearbook

DAN TOPPING, JR. (Assistant General Manager)
"Dan Topping Jr. has had excellent training for his position as assistant to the general manager. He's been close to baseball since he was a youngster. After college and Marine Corps graduation, Dan served as G.M. of the Ft. Lauderdale Yankee farm club, where he won a pennant. Then he served in various capacities at the Stadium before assuming his present duties in 1963."

-The New York Yankees Official 1964 Yearbook

1964 New York Yankees Outlook

"The king will die, felled by the heavy artillery of the Minnesota howitzers and forced to abdicate by a tighter bunch of contenders who will spend more time seeing that this is the year the Yankees lost the pennant.
How will the Yankees fail to send their fourth straight flag to the top of the pole? Simply by being pressed from the beginning by the Twins, Tigers and White Sox. In addition, there will be those nagging close losses that every freshman manager must expect, and Yogi Berra, nonpareil that he is as a man and was as a player, is no exception. Add to this the continued physical inability of Mickey Mantle, the ailments of Roger Maris and the absence of hitters capable of putting together a consistent attack, and you have a pitching staff that will be shouldered with responsibilities far beyond its capacity- and a team finishing in second place.
The front four of Whitey Ford, Ralph Terry, Jim Bouton and Al Downing is as strong as any comparable quartet. But an off year by one of this group or a slump that could come to even the most formidable, and New York is in trouble.
Redeeming features are a tight infield, the continued emergence of Joe Pepitone as a player of substance, and the Yankee story of success. Not one of the Bombers believes that a pennant loss can happen- but neither did any believe they would know the bitterness of four straight defeats in a World Series. All of the Yankees think positively, an optimism that, like osmosis, seeps through to the most ordinary of bench warmers who suddenly develop a capitalistic complex when they find themselves in a Yankee uniform.
Berra must prove that his patience is as durable as that of his predecessor. Ralph Houk never criticized, whined, alibied or showed strain in the face of mounting injuries, disappearing batting averages, mysterious slumps. This exemplary mental courage taught his people that the game is played with nine to a side and that nine innings are required before a decision can be reached.
Yogi goes into a new job with what many feel is a Yankee machine geared to make another runaway of what hasn't been a pennant race in this league for too many years. However, Houk can tell Berra that the obvious doesn't always happen and an opponent never can be regarded too lightly."

-Don Schiffer, Major League Baseball Handbook 1964

1964 Spring Training Yankees Depth Chart
C   Elston Howard, Johnny Blanchard, Jake Gibbs
1B Joe Pepitone
2B Bobby Richardson
3B  Clete Boyer
SS Tony Kubek
LF Tom Tresh
CF Mickey Mantle
RF Roger Maris
UTILITY:
Harry Bright
Phil Linz
Pedro Gonzalez
Hector Lopez
PITCHERS:
Whitey Ford  Stan Williams     
Al Downing   Bud Daley     
Ralph Terry   Steve Hamilton
Jim Bouton   Hal Reniff     
Bill Stafford                       

-Don Schiffer, Major League Baseball Handbook 1964


"When the new manager of the New York Yankees strode into the Salon Bleu of the Savoy Hilton for a press conference last October, nobody gasped in amazement that the new manager was Lawrence Peter Berra.
In a separate conference two days earlier, owner Dan Topping had announced Roy Hamey was retiring as general manager and that Ralph (3-for-3 pennants) Houk would take over for Hamey. That left the manager's job open for ... Yogi.
'Today's my day,' Houk said, half-seriously, when pressed about the identity of the new manager. 'He'll have his day on Thursday.' Thus, as it should have been, Hamey, a nice man, and Houk, an organization man, were given proper attention.
Yogi certainly had his day on Thursday. He could have said 'Nov Shmoz Ka Pop' and people would have laughed. For people are in tune with Yogi's image: he says funny things.
He wasn't, of course, that funny. Managing the Yankees is serious business. Yogi said he could be firm enough to manage the Yankees. He said he thought he knew enough to manage. He also claimed he had asked for a one-year contract. 'If I can't manage, I'll quit,' he added.
'He's got a good head for baseball,' Houk said.
'He'll have the respect of the team and be able to get the most out of the players,' seconded second baseman Bobby Richardson.
Whether Yogi can manage- and how necessary that is on the talent-laden Yankees- will become evident in 1964. Sooner or later, an issue of strategy and/or discipline will confront Yogi, and the man will grapple with the event.
Yogi follows in some pretty impressive footsteps. Houk, undoubtedly a good manager, won three pennants and two championships until a funny thing happened last October. Casey Stengel, 'the slickest manager in baseball,' did splendidly before him.
The Yankees are just overwhelming. In 1963, with Mickey Mantle sidelined with a broken foot and a wobbly knee, with Roger Maris hurt most of the time, with Luis Arroyo's arm gone dead, the Yankees still ran away from the American League. No team in the league could scare them.
Why should it not be the same this year? A knee operation last fall may have restored Mantle's daily brilliance. But even a part-time Mantle, throwing his knuckler before games and jostling in the dugout during games, is probably worth a dozen victories.
Maris, however injury-prone he may be, is still one of the best players in baseball. Tom Tresh would be the best outfielder on quite a few teams and fourth man Hector Lopez wouldn't be riding many benches.
The infield is young and able. Nobody will disrupt the quartet of first baseman Joe Pepitone (23), Richardson (28), shortstop Tony Kubek (27) and third baseman Clete Boyer (27). Utility man Phil Linz (24) supplies added insurance.
Yogi won't catch anymore, so the Yankees will just have to struggle along with the Most Valuable Player in the American League. Big Daddy Elston Howard (34) should still have several years of long-ball hitting, solid receiving and capable handling of the young pitchers.
Ah, yes, the young pitchers. Who else but the Yankees could develop Al Downing (22) and Jim Bouton (25) in the same season? Bouton won 21 games in a full season and Downing won 13 after being recalled from Richmond in June. Isn't there a federal antitrust law against a team owning two bright, young solid citizens like Bouton and Downing? [No, because of baseball's antitrust exemption.]
It doesn't seem fair.
Old man Whitey Ford, 35 and veteran of 15 professional seasons, is Yogi's pitching coach this year. Yogi has assigned Whitey to win 15 games himself and 'learn his experience' to others.
Ralph Terry, 28, had a mediocre season (17-15) and couldn't even promote a start in the brief World Series. He's still important.
If there is one weakness, it is the relief and the second-line pitching. The bullpen- pudgy Hal Reniff, tall Steve Hamilton and young Tom Metcalf- may not be sensational. Possible starters Stan Williams and Bill Stafford did not impress last year. And there don't seem to be any promising young pitchers in the minors, but you know the Yankees.
One weakness- where other clubs have 15 or 20- should not stand in the way of Yogi's first pennant and the Yankees' 29th."

-Bill Wise, 1964 Official Baseball Almanac


THE AMERICAN LEAGUE
"Every season there's a new theory why the Yankees will lose. Almost every season the theory dissolves in despair.
This season the theory is this: By sweeping the Yankees in four straight games in last year's World Series, the Dodgers proved that the Yankees can be beaten. Not only that, the Dodgers indicated the Yankees may be overrated. From this the theory goes on to stipulate that now the other American League contenders, having discarded their Yankee complex, will rise up and destroy the pin-striped monster who has won 13 of the last 15 pennants.
The only trouble with this theory is that it's meaningless.
The Yankees played four games against the Dodgers. They play 162 games in the American League. The Yankees faced three of baseball's best pitchers in the four-game span. The Yankees don't face three pitchers like Koufax, Podres and Drysdale in four weeks in the American League, much less four games.
There is another fallacy to this theory. It is based on psychology. Very few baseball games are won with psychology. They are won with base hits and strikes.
The Yankees possess the players who, over the season, will produce enough base-hits and strikes to win more games than any of their rivals. It's a nice theory, this psychology bit, but it won't work. The Yankees will see to that. Strangely enough, they may be aided by something psychological. They desperately want to win this pennant so that they can get another shot at the Dodgers in the World Series.
That's the only time psychology pays off- when you have the base-hits and strikes to back it up.
The Yankees have another incentive: to win a record-tying fifth consecutive pennant. In the confusion over new manager Yogi Berra, that statistical tidbit has been overlooked, mainly because the streak will involve three managers, assuming the Yankees win. Casey Stengel was the manager when it started in 1960. Then Ralph Houk guided the Yankees to three pennants in his three years as manager, 1961-62-63. And now Berra has an opportunity to make it five straight.
That's only been done once before- by the Yankees, naturally, when Stengel was the manager, 1949-50-51-52-53. After losing to the Indians in 1954, the Yankees won four more pennants in a row under Stengel but lost their bid for the fifth when the White Sox, with the Go-Go-Go slogan, won in 1959.
The White Sox will be talking pennant this time, too. Al Lopez, their manager, is always talking pennant in the Spring. It's amazing how silent he becomes in the Fall. But Lopez, of course, is the only American League manager with the credentials to talk pennant. He's the only manager to disrupt the Yankee pennant streak- with the Indians in 1954 and with the White Sox in 1959. The White Sox will make a bid. They always do. And they have some good pitchers. But there are too many holes in their lineup- especially with sparkplug Nellie Fox gone.
There's another manager who'll be talking pennant, too. His name, of course, is Charley Dressen. He has the credentials, too, from the National League where he won twice with the Dodgers a decade ago when they were in Brooklyn.
Dressen's problem then, as now, was the Yankees. He lost to them twice in the World Series. As a result, he lost his job. Give him a few years and he'll probably lose a few pennants to the Yankees, too. And he'll probably lose his job again, too. That's the way life is in the American League.
That's why the other teams have to depend on psychology to give them some hope for a pennant. They know they can't depend on their players, not when they're compared to the Yankee players."

-Dave Anderson, 1964 Major League Baseball Handbook


"On the day Yogi Berra was appointed manager of the Yankees, he was standing in front of a microphone in a ballroom of a snazzy New York hotel and he was answering questions from the assembled newsmen. Somebody asked him:
'What makes a good manager, Yogi?'
'Good ballplayers,' Yogi answered.
The Yankees, of course, have more good ballplayers than any team in the American League. Which should make Yogi Berra a good manager in 1964, a pennant-winning manager in his first year - as Ralph Houk was, and as Casey Stengel was. Berra inherits more than players. He now bears the responsibility of the Yankee heritage: to win the pennant so that the Yankees can get even with the Dodgers in the World Series.
The thought of the four-straight defeat by the Dodgers in last year's World Series should give the Yankees all the incentive they need to win the American League pennant.
With their personnel, they don't need much incentive. But it helps. Last season they developed two young pitchers who loom as aces of their staff in a few years: right-hander Jim Bouton and left-hander Al Downing. This season Downing figures to join Bouton among 20-game winners. Maybe Whitey Ford can win 20, too, if his duties as pitching coach don't disturb his concentration. Ralph Terry also figures to bounce back to 20-game form. Which gives the Yankees four possible 20-game winners. That should be enough to avoid some worries for Berra.
But the Yankees not only have the most proven pitchers in the American League, they also have the most proven hitters.
There is Mickey Mantle. There is Roger Maris. There is also Elston Howard. No other club can claim three players who have won the American League's Most Valuable Player award. These three have monopolized the award the past four seasons: Maris in 1960 and 1961, Mantle in 1962 and Howard last season. And this year both Mantle and Maris figure to be healthier, just on percentages, than they were last season when the Yankee bench made the big difference in the pennant race.
When Mantle and Maris are playing, along with left-fielder Tom Tresh, the Yankees have the most dangerous outfield in the league, if not in the majors.
Their infield is just as good. So good defensively, in fact, that it's the hidden factor behind the success of the Yankee pitchers. Hit the ball on the ground and it's a double play. They're all excellent glove men: Joe Pepitone at first base, Bobby Richardson at second, Tony Kubek at shortstop and Clete Boyer at third. And there's depth, too, because if anyone is hurt, Phil Linz can step in and play pennant-winning baseball.
There is depth in catchers, too, where John Blanchard, when he's playing regularly, is a dangerous home run hitter. But barring a serious injury to Howard, he's not going to be playing regularly.
This, then, is the collection of 'good ballplayers' which figure to make Yogi Berra a good manager in 1964. And which figure to increase the attendance at Yankee Stadium, where it has been on a gradual decline in recent seasons. It's not a serious drop-off, but no decline is considered trivial in the Yankee front office. That's why they usually win."

-Dave Anderson, Major League Baseball Handbook 1964

"Many teams stress balance, but none has it like the American League champs. They won easily with Mantle and Maris out most of 1963, and the two stars are due back this season.
A book, in fact, several books could easily be written about the key to the Yankee success, but nothing illustrates it more graphically than the team's standing in '63. Last season the American League champs paid about $170,000 to their M-and-M boys - Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris - but they got little playing time from the two sluggers.
Such a development would have rocked another club to its foundations. The Yankees? They won the pennant 8 1/2 games ahead of the winning pace they had set the previous year.
Briefly, the key to success in baseball is balance - and that means not only equality of strength in hitting and pitching, but also the ability to fill in effortlessly for an absent star. Few organizations have been able to do this as well as the Yankees.
Take the hitting: with Mantle and Maris hobbled, stars-to-order leaped into the breach: Elston Howard, Tom Tresh, Bobby Richardson and Joe Pepitone.
Or take the pitching: When Ralph Terry, hero of the 1962 World Series against the Giants, skidded a bit and wound up as a reliever, Whitey Ford came through with a brilliant league-leading year. And sophomore ace Jim Bouton provided a right-handed complement to Ford's lefthanded slants.
Three years ago, when the Yankee brass shelved manager Casey Stengel and front office boss George Weiss for Ralph Houk and Roy Hamey, most of the other American League clubs permitted themselves a sigh of relief - the New Yorkers would be coming back to them. Now after three straight pennants and two World Series victories, the Yankees have made another switch, Houk to the front office, Yogi Berra to the pilot's seat. The opposition, at last report, hasn't decided whether to sigh or hold its breath.
Yankee stars hold several of the big records in the game. Babe Ruth's 177 runs scored in 1921 are a major league high. So are Maris' 61 homers three years ago when he eclipsed the Babe's mark.
In the pitching records, the name of Jack Chesbro still shines after 60 years. Two of his four club marks - for victories and complete games - are also major league records.
Ford is the big star of the current staff. He has led the club in games won three of the past five years, and in the last three years has an aggregate won-lost of 66-19. His lifetime record moving into '64 is 199-78 for a .718 percentage, and that's the major league record. Whitey is now the first pitcher-coach in the majors.
The staff's combined earned run average was 3.07, behind Chicago's 2.97, but the champs led in complete games (59) for the first time since the 1943 Yankees had 83. The New Yorkers also came up with a pair of 20-game winners (Bouton and Ford) for the first time since Ed Lopat and Vic Raschi in 1951.
Yankee batting honors in '63 were shared by Tresh, Richardson, Pepitone and MVP winner Howard. They didn't produce league highs, but then all the Yankees needed was balance."

-Allan Roth, Baseball 1964 Guidebook

"Except for managerial experience, Yogi Berra, the brand-new pilot of the Yankees must feel a little like the man who has everything.
The Yanks, who have won eight pennants in the last nine years, have the game's finest defensive team, outstanding power, a good versatile bench and the best pitching potential a Yankee club has owned in more than a decade. They may be more heavily favored than usual this season.
To be truthful, Berra and the Yanks don't quite have everything. They don't have a relief star of the Dick Radatz caliber, nor a second-string catcher as capable as the retired Mr. Berra.
Despite their World Series debacle, the Yankees completely dominated the American League last year even though two of their top stars, center fielder Mickey Mantle and right fielder Roger Maris, played a combined total of only 155 games. If both stay healthy this year and have normal seasons, it could be Katy-bar-the-door for the rest of the league.
The Yankee infield is the finest defensive unit in the game and there is no sign of any letdown. Joe Pepitone, who had a fine sophomore year with a .271 batting average, 27 home runs and 89 runs batted in, has a swing tailor-made for Yankee Stadium.
Second baseman Bobby Richardson (.265, 3, 48) and third baseman Clete Boyer (.251, 12, 54) should do about as well, while shortstop Tony Kubek (.257, 7, 44), who was hampered by injuries also, should do better.
Joining Mantle (.314, 15, 35) and Maris (.269, 23, 53) in the regular outfield will again be left fielder Tommy Tresh (.269, 25, 71), who is capable of a higher average than he posted in his sophomore season.
Backing them up will be Hector Lopez (.249, 14, 52), who played 130 games last year and did well in clutch situations; the versatile Phil Linz (.269, 2, 12) and John Blanchard (.225, 16, 45), who also ranks as the second-string catcher.
As long as Elston Howard (.287, 28, 85), the A.L.'s Most Valuable Player in 1963 and the game's best all-around catcher these days, stays healthy, Blanchard won't see much action behind the bat except in double-headers. Jake Gibbs (.233, 6, 26 at Richmond) may be No.3.
Southpaw Whitey Ford, who won 24 games, lost seven and had a 2.74 ERA, will not only be the pitching staff leader this year, he will double as Berra's mound coach.
Starters with Ford figure to be Ralph Terry (17-15, 3.22) who slumped mildly after his big 1962 season ; Jim Bouton (21-7, 2.53), who came fast in his sophomore campaign ; southpaw Al Downing (13-5, 2.56), who was a near sensation after his recall from Richmond last spring, and Stan Williams (9-8, 3.21), who was as inconsistent as he was for the Dodgers.
Right-hander Hal Reniff (4-3, 2.71 in 48 games) and southpaw Steve Hamilton (5-2, 2.93 in 37 games) figure to do the brunt of the relief pitching again."

-Allen Lewis, Baseball Digest, April 1964

QUICK RUNDOWN ON THE YANKEES
Strength: great, well-rounded defensive team.
Greatest Need: outstanding relief pitcher.
Outlook: strong and versatile.

-Allen Lewis, Philadelphia Inquirer (Baseball Digest, April 1964)


1964 Yankees Depth Chart
C   Elston Howard
1B Joe Pepitone
2B Bobby Richardson
3B  Clete Boyer
SS Tony Kubek
LF Tom Tresh
CF Mickey Mantle
RF Roger Maris
UTILITY:
C   Johnny Blanchard
3B Harry Bright (1B)
SS Phil Linz (2B)
CF Archie Moore
RF Hector Lopez (LF)
PH Pedro Gonzalez (1B)
PITCHERS:
Whitey Ford
Ralph Terry
Jim Bouton
Al Downing
Bill Stafford 
Rollie Sheldon
RELIEF PITCHERS:
Hal Reniff
Steve Hamilton
Stan Williams
Bud Daley
Tom Metcalf

1964 New York Yankees Spring Training Roster

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

Manager - Yogi Berra 8

No. Coaches
2 Frankie Crosetti
16 Whitey Ford
31 Jim Gleeson
44 Jim Hegan

No. Pitchers
56 Jim Bouton (R-R)
57 Fred Chambers (R-R)
30 Jack Cullen (R-R)
28 Bud Daley (L-L)
24 Al Downing (R-L)
52 Gil Downs (R-R)
58 Tom Dukes (R-R)
16 Whitey Ford (L-L)
39 Steve Hamilton (L-L)
47 Howard Kitt (R-L)
59 Rich Marcy (S-R)
60 Jim Marrujo (R-R)
29 Tom Metcalf (R-R)
49 Bob Meyer (R-L)
51 Pete Mikkelsen (R-R)
18 Hal Reniff (R-R)
45 Rollie Sheldon (R-R)
53 George Shoemaker (R-R)
22 Bill Stafford (R-R)
23 Ralph Terry (R-R)
19 Stan Williams (R-R)

No. Catchers
38 Johnny Blanchard (L-R)
41 Jake Gibbs (L-R)
32 Elston Howard (R-R)
40 Billy Madden (L-R)

No. Infielders
6 Clete Boyer (R-R)
14 Harry Bright (R-R)
42 Pedro Gonzalez (R-R)
12 Mike Hegan (L-L)
10 Tony Kubek (L-R)
34 Phil Linz (R-R)
25 Joe Pepitone (L-L)
1 Bobby Richardson (R-R)
46 Chet Trail (R-R)

No. Outfielders
48 Elvio Jimenez (R-R)
11 Hector Lopez (R-R)
7 Mickey Mantle (S-R)
9 Roger Maris (L-R)
26 Archie Moore (L-L)
43 Roger Repoz (L-L)
15 Tom Tresh (S-R)

Trainers - Joe Soares, Don Seger

Batting Practice Pitcher - Spud Murray 55

1963 New York Yankees World Series Roster

Manager - Ralph Houk 35

No. Coaches
8 Yogi Berra
2 Frankie Crosetti
44 Jim Hegan
26 Dale Long
31 Johnny Sain

No. Pitchers
56 Jim Bouton (R-R)
30 Marshall Bridges (R-L)
28 Bud Daley (L-L) *
24 Al Downing (R-L)
16 Whitey Ford (L-L)
39 Steve Hamilton (L-L)
20 Bill Kunkel (R-R)
29 Tom Metcalf (R-R)
18 Hal Reniff (R-R)
22 Bill Stafford (R-R)
23 Ralph Terry (R-R)
19 Stan Williams (R-R)

No. Catchers
8 Yogi Berra (L-R)
38 Johnny Blanchard (L-R)
32 Elston Howard (R-R)

No. Infielders
6 Clete Boyer (R-R)
14 Harry Bright (R-R)
10 Tony Kubek (L-R)
34 Phil Linz (R-R)
25 Joe Pepitone (L-L)
1 Bobby Richardson (R-R)

No. Outfielders
11 Hector Lopez (R-R)
7 Mickey Mantle (S-R)
9 Roger Maris (L-R)
27 Jack Reed (R-R)
15 Tom Tresh (S-R)

Trainers - Joe Soares, Don Seger

Batting Practice Pitcher - Spud Murray 55

* - not on active roster

1963 New York Yankees Team Photo

Yogi Berra (player-coach)

John Blanchard

Jim Bouton

Clete Boyer

Marshall Bridges

Harry Bright

Gregory Cahoon (batboy)

Frankie Crosetti (coach)

Al Downing

Tony Florio (batboy)

Whitey Ford 

Steve Hamilton

Jim Hegan (coach)

Bruce Henry (traveling secretary)

Ralph Houk (manager)

Elston Howard

Tony Kubek

Bill Kunkel

Phil Linz

Dale Long

Hector Lopez

Mickey Mantle

Roger Maris

Tom Metcalf

Spud Murray (batting practice pitcher)

Joe Pepitone

Jack Reed

Hal Reniff

Bobby Richardson

Johnny Sain (coach)

Don Seger (trainer)

Joe Soares (trainer)

Bill Stafford

Ralph Terry

Tom Tresh

Stan Williams

1963 New York Yankees Mid-May Roster

Manager - Ralph Houk 35

No. Coaches
8 Yogi Berra
2 Frankie Crosetti
44 Jim Hegan
31 Johnny Sain

No. Pitchers
47 Luis Arroyo (L-L)
56 Jim Bouton (R-R)
28 Bud Daley (L-L) *
16 Whitey Ford (L-L)
39 Steve Hamilton (L-L)
20 Bill Kunkel (R-R)
18 Hal Reniff (R-R)
22 Bill Stafford (R-R)
23 Ralph Terry (R-R)
19 Stan Williams (R-R)

No. Catchers
8 Yogi Berra (L-R)
38 Johnny Blanchard (L-R)
32 Elston Howard (R-R)

No. Infielders
6 Clete Boyer (R-R)
14 Harry Bright (R-R)
10 Tony Kubek (L-R)
34 Phil Linz (R-R)
26 Dale Long (L-L)
25 Joe Pepitone (L-L)
1 Bobby Richardson (R-R)

No. Outfielders
11 Hector Lopez (R-R)
7 Mickey Mantle (S-R)
9 Roger Maris (L-R)
27 Jack Reed (R-R)
15 Tom Tresh (S-R)

Trainers - Joe Soares, Don Seger

Batting Practice Pitcher - Spud Murray 55

* - not on active roster

1963 New York Yankees Program and Scorecard Notes

WELCOME TO A NEW SEASON!
"The New York Yankees have opened their defense of the World Championship with a club strengthened by winter trading, plus the development of Tom Tresh as a standout left fielder, the availability of Tony Kubek at shortstop all season and the anticipated arrival of Joe Pepitone as the new first baseman. Manager Ralph Houk expects the 1963 American League race to be a tough one, with far stronger clubs throughout the league and top competition from three of four vastly improved rivals.
And so, with an exciting season in prospect, the Yankees welcome you to famed Yankee Stadium, the Home of Champions ... and the most renowned sports stadium in America, and the home of a record 20 Yankee World Championship ball clubs.
This is the 40th anniversary of Yankee Stadium and the Yankees' 60th in the American League. Since the Stadium opened on April 18, 1923 with Babe Ruth hitting the first home run to help beat the Red Sox, more than 51,435,000 fans have paid their way in for league games, plus millions more for World Series, football games and other attractions."

-1963 New York Yankees Official Program and Scorecard

NINE YANKEES CONTINUE COLLEGE EDUCATIONS
"More and more major league ball players are college men. There were nine Yankees still attending college in the off-season, according to a club survey in spring training.
The Yankee list is headed by 1962 Rookie of the Year Tom Tresh, the Yanks' regular left fielder, who attends Central Michigan University in the winter semester; other Yanks and future Bombers still attending school include pitchers Rollie Sheldon (University of Connecticut), Al Downing (Muhlenberg College), Jim Bouton (Western Michigan University), Howard Kitt (Hofstra College) and Bob Meyer (University of Toledo); first baseman Mike Hegan (John Carroll University); outfielder Ron Solomini (Long Island University) and catcher Curt Blefary (Wagner College, Staten Island)."

-1963 New York Yankees Official Program and Scorecard

YANKEE YOUTH
"This is another youthful Yankee club. The average age of the present roster is just over 28."

-1963 New York Yankees Official Program and Scorecard

FATHER OF SIX
"Veteran relief specialist Luis Arroyo is the undisputed champion father on the Yankees. His sixth child was born this spring."

-1963 New York Yankees Official Program and Scorecard


1963 YANKEE STADIUM LADIES' DAYS
Saturday, June 15 (Detroit)
Saturday, June 29 (Boston)
Saturday, July 20 (Cleveland)
Saturday, August 3 (Baltimore)
Saturday, August 24 (Chicago)
Saturday, September 21 (Kansas City)
Saturday, September 28 (Minnesota)

OLD TIMERS' DAY
"Put this date on your sports calendar: Saturday afternoon, July 27. That's the annual Old Timers' Day ... and this year the contending Minnesota Twins will be Stadium visitors. A tremendous program is planned."

-1963 New York Yankees Official Program and Scorecard

NEW TICKET SERVICE FOR NEW YORK FANS
"For the first time this year, fans planning to attend Yankee home games may buy their box and reserved seat reservations in advance at any of the conveniently located Schrafft's Restaurants in Greater New York, Newark and Westchester. Tickets at Schrafft's are priced the same as all other Yankee seats. There is no increase in price for this special service. Stop in at any of Schrafft's Restaurants for tickets to the games of your choice."

-1963 New York Yankees Official Program and Scorecard


YANKEE STADIUM PROFILE
"Yankee Stadium was made possible by the booming bat of Babe Ruth, the brewery money of Jake Ruppert and the jealousy of the New York Giants. In 1923 the Yankees set up shop on the Bronx side of the river, in the architectural wonder of its day and the baseball wonder of all the years since. It has been host to more Series games than any other field; it has produced more champions than all others. It is a park for the lefty hitter, one which made Ruth and Lou Gehrig the most feared swingers in civilization. But it also gave birth to Joe DiMaggio, who covered the greatest expanse of outfield in the majors. Power has been the hallmark of all Yankee teams, yet neither Yankee nor foe has hit a home run out of the Stadium's rangy confines. The real estate in the outfield is so expansive that the straightaway slugger is at a disadvantage. Truly the House that Ruth Built, it was also a memorial for the greatest Yankee of them all. Upon his death in 1948 he lay in state for thousands of his fans - in the very house that he had built."

-Don Schiffer, 1963 Major League Baseball Handbook

YANKEE STADIUM PARKING FACILITIES
"The listings on the next page indicate the availability of Yankee owned and/or operated parking lots as well as other garages and parking areas in the vicinity of Yankee Stadium. Parking facilities are continually being improved and increased for the convenience of Yankee fans.
Yankee parking lots are operated for the club by the Kinney System, Inc. and provide wide aisles between rows, easy access to and from the parking lots at all times, and courteous treatment by the parking attendants.
All Yankee and Yankee-operated parking lots in operation this year provide excellent, convenient parking at a uniform price of $1.00, both at the Stadium and north and south of the Stadium. The lot at 164th Street and River Avenue is especially convenient for fans driving through the North Bronx, and the lot at 151st Street and River Avenue (opposite the Bronx County Jail) is particularly convenient for fans driving from Long Island, Manhattan and the South Bronx.
As an added convenience for fans driving to Yankee Stadium, the Polo Grounds parking lots will be open every day this season from 8:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M., and until after the close of any night event at Yankee Stadium. Likewise, when the Mets are playing at home and the Yankees are away, the Yankee parking lots will remain open on a similar schedule, as long as the Mets continue playing at the Polo Grounds."

-1963 New York Yankees Official Program and Scorecard

Yankee Parking Lots:
-South side of 157th St., Ruppert Place to Cromwell Ave.
-North side of 153 St., River Ave. to Cromwell Ave.
-162nd St. to 164th St., between River and Gerard Avenues
-151st St. and River Ave., opposite Bronx County Jail
-South side of 153rd St., River Ave. to Cromwell Ave.

Independently Operated Lots:
-West side of River Ave. and 157th St.
-East side of River Ave., North of 153rd St.
-Macombs Dam Park, Ruppert Place and 157th St.
-East side of River Ave., North of 151st St.
-East side of River Ave., 164thSt. to 165th St.
-Macombs Dam Park, 161st St. and Jerome Ave.

Garages:
-Cromwell Ave. and 157th St.
-East side of River Ave., North side of 157th St.
-East side of River Ave., South side of 157th St.
-North Side of 158th St., between River and Gerard Avenues
-East Side or River Ave., corner of 168th St.


YANKEE STADIUM REGULATIONS
1. Gambling or wagering of any sort at Yankee Stadium is strictly prohibited.
2. Any spectator who goes on to the playing field during a ball game is violating an American League rule and will be ejected from the Stadium.
3. The management requests that spectators refrain from throwing missiles on the field.
4. Patrons in the lower grandstand front row boxes are asked not to drape clothing over the box railing.

-1963 New York Yankees Official Program and Scorecard

YANKEE STADIUM GROUND RULES
-Foul poles are outside the playing field.
-A thrown or fairly batted ball that goes behind or under the canvas and remains: Two Bases
-A ball rebounding onto the playing field: In Play
-A ball sticking in or going through the wire screen in front of the bleachers: Two Bases
-Bat racks are on the players' bench.
-Scoreboards in right and left field are on the playing field.
-A ball striking the scoreboards and rebounding on to the playing field: In Play
-A ball striking the scoreboards and bounding into the bleachers, bullpens or stands: Two Bases

-1963 New York Yankees Official Program and Scorecard

AMERICAN LEAGUE UMPIRES
Cal Hubbard - Supervisor of Umpires
1  Paparella
2  McKinley
3  Hurley
4  Stevens
5  Honochick
6  Soar
7  Napp
8  Flaherty
9  Chylak
10 Runge
11 Umont
12 Rice
13 Stewart
14 Smith
15 Kinnamon
16 Salerno
17 Haller
18 DiMuro
19 Valentine
21 Carrigan


WCBS
"WCBS, the pilot station of the Columbia Broadcasting System and the basic station of the Yankees' Home of Champions radio network, again will bring fans news of game activities in 1963. When in doubt about the game being on, just tune WCBS (880 on the AM dial) or WCBS-FM at 101.1 on the FM dial. The station will keep you informed with up-to-date news on game prospects. Bulletins will be broadcast on the 12-noon news show and on the 6:15 P.M. sports show daily and at frequent other intervals."

-1963 New York Yankees Official Program and Scorecard

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1963 New York Yankees Opening Day and Home Opening Rosters

Municipal Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri (April 9)

Manager - Ralph Houk

No. Coaches
8 Yogi Berra
2 Frankie Crosetti
44 Jim Hegan
31 Johnny Sain

No. Pitchers
47 Luis Arroyo (L-L)
56 Jim Bouton (R-R)
30 Marshall Bridges (R-L)
29 Hal Brown (R-R)
39 Jim Coates (R-R)
28 Bud Daley (L-L)
16 Whitey Ford (L-L)
20 Bill Kunkel (R-R)
18 Hal Reniff (R-R)
22 Bill Stafford (R-R)
23 Ralph Terry (R-R)
19 Stan Williams (R-R)

No. Catchers
8 Yogi Berra (L-R)
38 Johnny Blanchard (L-R)
32 Elston Howard (R-R)

No. Infielders
6 Clete Boyer (R-R)
42 Pedro Gonzalez (R-R)
10 Tony Kubek (L-R)
34 Phil Linz (R-R)
26 Dale Long (L-L)
25 Joe Pepitone (L-L)
1 Bobby Richardson (R-R)

No. Outfielders
11 Hector Lopez (R-R)
7 Mickey Mantle (S-R)
9 Roger Maris (L-R)
27 Jack Reed (R-R)
15 Tom Tresh (S-R)

Trainers - Joe Soares, Don Seger

Batting Practice Pitcher - Spud Murray 55


Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York (April 11)

Manager - Ralph Houk

No. Coaches
8 Yogi Berra
2 Frankie Crosetti
44 Jim Hegan
31 Johnny Sain

No. Pitchers
47 Luis Arroyo (L-L)
56 Jim Bouton (R-R)
30 Marshall Bridges (R-L)
29 Hal Brown (R-R)
39 Jim Coates (R-R)
28 Bud Daley (L-L)
16 Whitey Ford (L-L)
20 Bill Kunkel (R-R)
18 Hal Reniff (R-R)
22 Bill Stafford (R-R)
23 Ralph Terry (R-R)
19 Stan Williams (R-R)

No. Catchers
8 Yogi Berra (L-R)
38 Johnny Blanchard (L-R)
32 Elston Howard (R-R)

No. Infielders
6 Clete Boyer (R-R)
42 Pedro Gonzalez (R-R)
10 Tony Kubek (L-R)
34 Phil Linz (R-R)
26 Dale Long (L-L)
25 Joe Pepitone (L-L)
1 Bobby Richardson (R-R)

No. Outfielders
11 Hector Lopez (R-R)
7 Mickey Mantle (S-R)
9 Roger Maris (L-R)
27 Jack Reed (R-R)
15 Tom Tresh (S-R)

Trainers - Joe Soares, Don Seger

Batting Practice Pitcher - Spud Murray 55

1963 Yankees Yearbook Roster, Taxi Squad and Prospects

ROSTER

Manager - Ralph Houk 35

First Base Coach - Dale Long 26, Yogi Berra 8

Third Base Coach - Frankie Crosetti 2

Pitching Coach - Johnny Sain 31

Bullpen Coach - Jim Hegan 44

Batting Practice Pitcher - Spud Murray 55

Spring Training Instructor - Joe DiMaggio 5

Catcher - Elston Howard 32, Johnny Blanchard 38

First Base - Joe Pepitone 25

Second Base - Bobby Richardson 1

Third Base - Clete Boyer 6, Pedro Gonzalez 42 (2B)

Shortstop - Tony Kubek 10, Phil Linz 34 

Left Field - Tom Tresh 15 (CF), Hector Lopez 11 

Center Field - Mickey Mantle 7, Jack Reed 27 (RF)

Right Field - Roger Maris 9

Pinch Hitter - Yogi Berra 8 (C), Harry Bright 14 (1B)

Starting Pitchers:

Whitey Ford 16

Jim Bouton 56

Ralph Terry 23

Stan Williams 19

Bill Stafford 22

Bud Daley 28

Relief Pitchers:

Hal Reniff 18

Jim Coates 39

Bill Kunkel 20

Marshall Bridges 30

TAXI SQUAD

First Base - Dale Long 26

Starting Pitchers:

Rollie Sheldon 45

Hal Brown 29

Relief Pitchers:

Tex Clevenger 21

Luis Arroyo 47

PROSPECTS

Catcher - Curt Blefary, Jake Gibbs, Alan Hall, Bill Madden

First Base - Mike Hegan

Outfield - Ron Solomini

Starting Pitchers:

Al Downing

Jack Cullen

Hal Stowe

Howard Kitt

George Haney

Relief Pitchers:

Bob Meyer

Jim Bronstad

1963 New York Yankees Player Development

1963 FARM CLUBS

Farm Director - Johnny Johnson

Assistant to the Farm Director - Pete Kalison

AAA

Richmond, Virginia

International League

Manager - Preston Gomez

AA

Augusta, Georgia

South Atlantic League

Manager - Rube Walker

A

Greensboro, North Carolina

Carolina League

Manager - Frank Verdi

A

Idaho Falls, Idaho

Pioneer League

Manager - Loren Babe

A

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida*

Florida State League

Manager - Pinky May

A

Shelby, North Carolina

Western Carolina League

Manager - Wilmer Shantz

*Owned outright, all others working agreement.

1963 SCOUTING

Director of Scouting - Jack White

Scouting Staff: 

Dolph Camilli 

Ed Dancisak 

Bob Decker

Art Dede 

Atley Donald 

Tom Greenwade 

Randy Gumpert 

Babe Herman 

Harry Hesse 

Willis Hudlin 

Gordon Jones 

Tom Kane 

Jess Landrum 

Lou Maguolo 

Buster Mills 

Johnny Neun 

Frank Novasel

Frank O'Rourke 

Pat Patterson 

Bill Skiff (Director of Scouting, Northeastern United States and Eastern Canada)

Mayo Smith 

Steve Souchock 

Eddie Taylor 

Al Todd 

Jack Warner 

Bill Yancey

1963 SPRING TRAINING INSTRUCTORS

Manager - Ralph Houk

Yogi Berra (Player-Coach)

Cloyd Boyer (Minor League Pitching Coach)

Frankie Crosetti (Coach)

Joe DiMaggio

Preston Gomez (Richmond Manager)

Jim Hegan (Coach)

Wally Moses (Minor League Batting Coach)

Johnny Neun (Camp Coordinator)

Johnny Sain (Coach)

Wilmer Shantz

Steve Souchock

Rube Walker (Augusta Manager)

1963 YANKEES YEARBOOK "DEVELOPING FUTURE STARS"

Curt Blefary (C)

Ronnie Boyer (3B)

Jake Gibbs (3B)

Alan Hall (C)

Elvio Jimenez (OF)

Tom Kowalowski (C)

Billy Madden (C)

Mike Mathieson (IF)

Ron Solomini (OF)

Steve Whitaker (OF)

YANKEE FARM SYSTEM: Developing Future Stars

"The lifeblood of any baseball organization is its minor league system ... its farm clubs. And befitting the World Champions, there is no more important function within the Yankee organization than its farm system. The success of the Yankees in the future will depend to a large extent on the development of young players to replace today's stars.

Eighteen of today's Yankees were developed in the club's minor league organization. Last year alone, four youngsters made the Yankees in their freshmen years, a remarkable figure for any club ... but even more unusual for a defending World Champion. Tom Tresh (Rookie of the Year), Phil Linz, Jim Bouton and Joe Pepitone were all first-year men. The Yankees are continually rebuilding while winning. Going back only five years to the 1958 World Champions, only six present-day Yankees were on that club ... Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, Whitey Ford, Elston Howard, Tony Kubek and Bobby Richardson.

Quantity is not, and never has been, the objective of the Yankee farm system. Quality is the objective. If a scout approaches a young prospect on behalf of the Yankees, he is doing so because he believes he can make the big club. There is no greater honor in the game than being a Yankee. The New York Yankees are the most highly publicized and best known team in all sports. This club has won an incredible 27 American League pennants and a record 20 World Championships.

'It's great to be a Yankee,' said Joe DiMaggio (and scores of others who have worn the famed Pinstripes). It takes work ... application ... desire. But the effort is worth it. Just ask the present Yankees.

Despite all of the honors and championships won by the Yankees, the team is building for tomorrow. Great opportunities exist today for ambitious young ball players who set their goals high- at Yankee Stadium."

-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook

STARDOM STARTS HERE

"The first- and most important- stage of the rocket to baseball acclaim fires when a quiet man watches a young kid in a sandlot game. Here's how super-scout Tom Greenwade discovers future greats.

Every major league ball club has a scouting setup, of course. Some are good, some not so good. The teams with good scouting can usually be found in the first division, year after year, although the man out beating the bushes doesn't step up to the plate to pinch-hit for some high-priced star. He did his job a half-dozen or so years earlier.

Scouting is the lifeblood of a major league organization. A pretty good estimate of each club's share of its revenue dollar siphoned off for scouting and bonuses would be between 20 and 25 per cent. In this day of $100,000 bonuses, the responsibility on the man in the field is almost crushing. He is trapped between extensive bidding for a boy with obvious talent and the awareness of what a few bad picks can do- to his reputation and the treasury of the club.

Every scout has bet his reputation on a boy who hasn't made it. That goes for Tom Greenwade, the Yankees' best. There are five or six men of Greenwade's caliber sprinkled through the other big league organizations, but this story is about the Lincolnesque Missourian and his methods.

First, Greenwade breaks most of the rules governing a scout's procedure, and has been doing for the 17 years he's been with the Yankees. Several front office bosses bit their nails to the quick trying to get Greenwade to put things on paper. His comeback is simple enough: 'If you want me, call me. If you can't find me, call the house. My wife will know where I am.'

He could be in one of a thousand places, including Commerce, Oklahoma, where he watched Mickey Mantle many years ago, and Chelsea, OK, where he signed Ralph Terry for $1,500. If the big picture is beginning to emerge to show why the Yankees have given up insisting that Greenwade put things on paper, well, you're showing signs of being bright enough to win a nice, fat general manager's job yourself.

The Yankees have about two dozen scouts, a number larger than most clubs, although the Dodgers and one or two other organizations are up there, too. What the Yankees seek is pretty much what the other clubs are also shooting for.

The Yankee scouts, and Greenwade, look for speed, throwing, and hitting ability- and probably in that order, although scouts might have an individual preference that would cause these qualities to be juggled in importance. If the boy isn't fast there isn't much hope for him to achieve the majors unless he's a catching prospect. Usually, a slow player will have to show a major league arm or bat for the scouts to display interest. Speed is so important because it can't improve very much with practice; a man is either fast or he isn't.

Greenwade has a working credo that, unlike an automatic elevator, needs an experienced operator.

'When I size up an outfielder,' he says, 'the first thing I want to see is the good arm. The second is good size, the third is power. Of course, if the boy looks like an exceptionally good center field prospect, you compromise on power the way I did with Bill Virdon. (Virdon is one of a dozen players Greenwade sent up to the majors.)

'First thing I want in a shortstop is quick reflexes- can he move to his right and his left, and does he have quick hands and a strong arm? A good shortstop can play anywhere in the infield. (Mantle was a Ban Johnson League shortstop when Greenwade signed him, seated in the back of his car on a rainy Sunday afternoon.)

'I like to see a catcher who hit and throw. He doesn't have to be fast. Of course, if he has good running speed that's great. (Elston Howard, a Greenwade find, didn't have running speed but received rather enthusiastic grades in the other areas.)

'In pitchers, I look for the kid who throws hard and is pretty good sized, say six feet one, and about 185 pounds. I tend to pass up the soft throwers, figuring I shouldn't take a chance on their cuteness getting them by in the majors. I stay away from extra tall pitchers because I figure they their coordination isn't as good as men a little shorter.' (Terry, at six-foot-three, had both coordination and speed.)

Jack White is comparatively new in the role of Director of Scouting for the Yankees, although he's known Greenwade for a dozen years. He had occasion to visit Greenwade on the job during a college tournament, and just as they got comfortable behind home plate Greenwade said, 'Let's go and get a real good seat.'

He led the bewildered White out to center field, reclined under a big shade tree, stuck a blade of grass between, turned, smiled and asked, 'How's this for comfort?'

White, in a daze, got back to New York and reported to Roy Hamey, the front office boss, 'He not only doesn't write reports, but he watches the games from center field!'

Greenwade's reluctance to write letters is understandable, and his reluctance to fool with notebooks at a game is based on sound logic. 'Half the time the scouts have their heads down making notes and don't even see which way the ball is hit,' he says. He doesn't bother with field glasses, either.

Greenwade nearly burst with pride last fall as he sat in front of a television set at home in Willard, MO and watched Terry win the seventh World Series game. Still, his prize catch is Mantle. How the slugger was signed is typical of the skill and resourcefulness needed in pre-bonus scouting. Only the fact that Mantle was destined for superstardom makes the story special.

'Mickey had played a game Friday night after graduating from high school,' recalled Greenwade, 'and had a game scheduled for Sunday. I had to drive over to Broken Arrow, Oklahoma to see another prospect and I was mighty scared that some other scouts might get on Mickey's trail while I was away. But Mickey's father promised me that no matter what the offer was, his son wouldn't sign until I got back. Luckily, no other scout showed up.

'Mickey's father said his boy could make what we were offering him to play in Class D ($140 a month) just by playing Sundays around Spavinaw- where Mickey was born- and working around the mines during the week. So I got a pencil and a large Manilla envelope and we figured just how much Mickey could possibly make each year and then how much how much he'd make playing in Class D. It figured up to a difference of $1,150, so that's the bonus I paid him.'

Like most veteran scouts, Greenwade takes a dim view of huge bonus payments. He argues, logically, that anyone who must risk a small fortune on his own judgment tends to back away from anything that doesn't look sure-fire. In baseball, this works against players who can hustle and learn, but don't have the natural gifts of a Mantle or Mays.

At last count, there were 16 Greenwade players in the Yankee system. Others have been dealt in important trades- men like Tom Sturdivant, Bill Virdon and Jerry Lumpe. One of his players, Hank Bauer, went on to manage the Kansas City A's in the big leagues.

Scouting, though, is a never-ending task, and the ivory hunter who sits back and surveys with satisfaction what he has done is in trouble. He has to keep the boys coming, balancing his knowledge, experience and intuition in the often ruthless competition where the money is sometimes flung around like confetti. It's real money, though, and it's a really important job that the scouts do- as important, in the final analysis, as any other in the organization."

-Harold Rosenthal, Sports All-Stars 1963 Baseball

ESCALATOR TO THE MAJORS

by Johnny Johnson, Farm Director, New York Yankees

"Much depends on the placement of a player in an organization's farm system. Starting him too high might put too much pressure on a young player; a too-low grouping could waste a precious season two of his career.

In the Yankee farm system we categorize players as follows:

Triple-A: Experienced men a step away from major league play.

Double-A: Two years away, some experience.

A: Players with no more than one year of experience, heavy emphasis on instruction.

We also try to place the correct man in the managerial position in each of our farm operations. The Triple-A manager shouldn't concern himself too much with instruction but should be the smart, shrewd play-maker type.

Double-A calls for a man who is well-grounded. Major league playing or managing experience is not necessary.

In Class A the manager's chief strength has to be his ability to instruct. He must be well-grounded in fundamentals and must also be the type a young player can take his problems to."

-Johnny Johnson, Sports All-Stars 1963 Baseball

Other 1963 Yankee Profiles

see other posting

1963 Profile: Yogi Berra

see other posting

1963 Profile: Ralph Terry

see other posting

1963 Profile: Johnny Blanchard

"The clutch-hitting hero of 1961, John Blanchard is determined to erase his disappointing 1962 season by returning to the form that made him the talk of baseball just two seasons ago. The personable Blanchard was scheduled to do a lot of catching this year, back of Ellie Howard, and to fill in as an outfielder and pinch-hitter for Manager Ralph Houk's Bombers.

In 1961, as Yankee fans will recall happily, the Minneapolis backstop hit a robust .305, including 21 home runs and 54 RBIs, with 149 total bases on his 74 hits. He tied a major league record by hitting four home runs on consecutive times at bat and two of these were as a pinch-hitter. He just missed the fifth homer in a row when a towering fly was collared a foot from the fence. A Chicago writer selected John's feat as the outstanding sports thrill of the year.

In three World Series, John has rapped out nine hits in 22 times at bat for a resounding .409 average, including three doubles and two homers.

To get back in the '61 groove this season, Blanchard adopted an off-season program designed to correct the 'slow hands' that plagued him a year ago. And he reported to spring training this year well under his weight of the previous spring. If determination is any criterion, 1963 will be a banner for the Yanks and Johnny Blanchard."

-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook

Signed by Yankee organization, July 2, 1951.

Tied major league record by hitting four home runs in four consecutive times at-bat, two as a pinch hitter, 1961.

Tied World Series record for most home runs hit in a five-game Series (2), 1961.

-1963 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide

"Following his outstanding slugging feats of 1961, Johnny Blanchard was looked upon as one of the Yankees' key men for 1962. But such was not the case.

From his '61 pace of .305, when 21 of his 74 hits were home runs, Blanchard slumped to .232 in '62 with only 13 homers. From 54 RBI, he fell to 39. John just was not the same clutch hitter.

The 30-year-old native of Minneapolis, Minn., began his career in the Yankee organization in July 1951. Until 1959, he appeared in only one game with the Bombers, that coming in 1955.

During that long period, Blanchard divided his time between Kansas City, Binghamton, Amsterdam, Joplin, Denver, Birmingham and military duty.

Blanchard showed what was in store for '61 when, in the 1960 World Series against the Pittsburgh Pirates, he ripped Buc pitching for a .455 average in five contests.

Johnny tied a major league mark by clouting four home runs in four consecutive times at bat, two as a pinch-hitter, in 1961. He also tied the Series record for most homers by one player in a five-game Series, with two round trippers against the Cincinnati Reds in 1961.

Whether Blanchard can regain his touch of '61 will be one of the interesting things to watch for this season. In fact, the outcome of the American League pennant chase may depend on it."

-1963 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook

1963 Profile: Elston Howard

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1963 Profile: Clete Boyer

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1963 Profile: Tony Kubek

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1963 Profile: Bobby Richardson

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1963 Proifle: Tom Tresh

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1963 Profile: Roger Maris

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1963 Profile: Mickey Mantle

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1963 New York Yankees Manager and Coaches Profiles

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1963 New York Yankees Owner and Management Profiles

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1963 New York Yankees Outlook

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1963 New York Yankees Spring Training Roster

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1962 Profile: Hector Lopez

"Things will be different in 1962, avers Yankee outfielder Hector Lopez. The Panamanian right-hand hitter, a native of Brooklyn during the summer season, is sure that 1961 was just one of those 'bad years' that every athlete suffers now and then. Hec was off in all offensive departments last year but suddenly found himself late in September. He started hitting and the form reversal carried into the World Series in which he hit .333 including a mighty line-drive home run in the finale at Cincinnati. Playing winter ball [in] Panama and Nicaragua, Lopez continued to hit well.

An infielder by trade, Hector has been used primarily as an outfielder by the Yankees. And he found Yankee Stadium's fabled left field on the treacherous side for a while. But no more! 'I used to read about how tough it was to play. I think it made me worse than I really was. Now that I look back, I'm sure left field at Yankee Stadium isn't nearly as tough as the stories make it out to be.'

Hector has had highs of 22 homers, 93 RBIs and a .294 batting average. He'd like to combine these all into the 1962 season. He thinks this will be a good year for Lopez and for the Yankees."

-The New York Yankees Official 1962 Yearbook

Hit three home runs in one game for Kansas City against Washington, June 26, 1958.

-1962 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide

"One of the many players to come to New York from Kansas City, Lopez was acquired from the Athletics along with Ralph Terry in May of 1959. The Bombers gave up Jerry Lumpe, Johnny Kucks and Tom Sturdivant in the transaction.

Hector was a third baseman during his minor league years and in his first five years as an American Leaguer. His fielding, however, left a lot to be desired and the Yankees converted him into an outfielder in 1960.

During his first year as a New Yorker, Hec led the club in runs batted in with 93. He has good power, having been credited with 95 home runs since coming to the big time in 1955.

Lopez's best day in the majors was with the A's in 1958, when he hit three homers in a contest against the Washington Senators."

-The 1962 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook

1963 Profile: Elston Howard

1963 AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL-STAR

"A batting loss of 69 points didn't make a happy man of Elston Howard in 1962. Although he reached a high of 97 RBIs, the St. Louis-born catcher insists he's a steady .300 hitter. He has crushing power to all fields and is difficult to defense.

Howard had three years in the minors, coming to New York in 1955 as the first Negro Yankee."

-Don Schiffer, 1963 Major League Baseball Handbook

"The number one catching post on the Yankees belongs to Elston Howard ... without a question. But it wasn't acquired easily. Howard was in the shadow of Yogi Berra for many years, but he learned his trade well. In addition, Ellie filled in successfully in left field as well as at first base.

In 1961, Howard challenged for the American League batting title, hitting at a .348 clip. He slipped 69 points to a still strong .279 last year. At the same time he matched his season high home run mark of 21, set in '61, and topped his personal career high in runs batted in at 91. In nine big league seasons (up to 1963), Howard has hit exactly 100 homers, with a career batting mark of .285.

Ellie has been named to the American League All-Star squad the last three seasons and five of the last six years. In the 1960 losing Series with Pittsburgh, he hit a rousing .462, and he won the coveted Babe Ruth Award as the outstanding performer in the 1958 Series. That was the set with Milwaukee in which the Yanks came back from a 1-3 deficit to win, partly on the thrilling defensive work in left field by Elston Howard.

In 1962, Howard knocked in the deciding run in 12 of the Yankees' 96 wins. The converted outfielder led American League catchers in 1962 with a .995 average."

-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook

Purchased by Yankees from Kansas City Monarchs, July 24, 1950.

Hit home run in first World Series at-bat, September 28, 1955.

Won Babe Ruth Award (top World Series player), 1958.

Led Yankees in hitting (.348), 1961.

Hit two home runs in one game three times, 1962.

-1963 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide

"Beginning his ninth season with the Bombers and his third as the team's first-string catcher, Ellie Howard is determined to get back over the .300 batting mark.

After a fine 1961 season in which he batted .348, Howard slid to .279 last season, though he upped his RBI from 77 to 91. Last year, Ellie also hit a pair of homers in a single game three times.

The 33-year-old Howard, who also plays the outfield and first base, joined the Yankee organization after being purchased from the Kansas City Monarchs in July 1950. He became the first Negro to play with the Bombers when he made the club in 1955. After batting .290 that campaign, he climaxed the season by hitting a homer in his first time up in a World Series game, connecting against the Brooklyn Dodgers on September 28.

Rated one of the finest defensive catchers in the game, Ellie's rifle arm has cut down many would-be base thieves.

Besides playing in seven World Series, Howard has represented the A.L. in four All-Star contests.

Ellie was named catcher on The Sporting News American League All-Star team in 1961."

-1963 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook

"Elston Howard is the all-star reserve catcher [Sports All-Stars 1963 Baseball all-stars], an unusual development since the fine Yankee receiver is customarily a starter. Howard, however, had an ordinary season, dipping 69 points to a .279 mark- which provides some idea of how Elston does when he's hitting. He stayed up in homers and runs batted in, but this time he has to take a back seat to Earl Battey.

Howard is the only man on the team capable of wearing three different gloves- a catcher's mitt, the first baseman's trap and the standard finger glove of the outfielder. He has played all three positions in World Series.

Elston is undoubtedly the highest paid catcher around. He's been around since 1955, when he became the first Negro player in Yankee history. The Yankees have had a long tradition of top catching. Bill Dickey became a Hall of Famer, Yogi Berra won Most Valuable honors three times, and Howard has kept up the pattern. Injuries held him up at times, but Elston, at 34, still shapes up as the Yankee catcher for several seasons, and the pitching staff is not at all unhappy."

-Harold Rosenthal, Sports All-Stars 1963 Baseball