Thursday, January 30, 2014

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

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

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

Monday, January 27, 2014

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

Sunday, January 26, 2014

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

Friday, January 24, 2014

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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Thursday, January 23, 2014

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

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

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

Sunday, January 19, 2014

Other 1963 Yankee Profiles

HECTOR LOPEZ
"No other utility man in the American League has the versatility of Hector Lopez, and few can hit as well to all fields. Born in Colon, Panama, he was a regular at Kansas City for four years, shuttling between second and third base. Dealt to New York in 1959, he was shifted to the outfield and has been extremely effective as a pinch-batter against left-handers.
Lopez will learn how to make the moves at first base this year and could be platooned with Joe Pepitone."

-Don Schiffer, 1963 Major League Baseball Handbook

"In his fifth season as a Yankee, Hector Lopez is now available as a first baseman, as well as an outfielder and pinch-hitter. A valuable all-around ball player, Hector upped his average to .275 last year, equal to his lifetime major league record. Of the Yankees' 96 wins in '62, Hec drove home the winning run seven times, four of these in the last two innings, and scored the winning runs 10 times. A pretty valuable man!"

-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook

Hit three home runs in one game for Kansas City against Washington, June 26, 1958.
Acquired by New York Yankees along with pitcher Ralph Terry for pitchers Johnny Kucks and Tom Sturdivant and infielder Jerry Lumpe, May 26, 1959.

-1963 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide

"Another of one of the Yankee all-arounders is Hector Lopez, who was born and still lives in Colon, Panama.
Since he arrived in the majors with the Kansas City A's in 1955, Hector has seen service at every position except pitcher and catcher.
Last season, playing in 106 contests, Lopez batted .275, which just happens to be his lifetime big time mark.
Hector came to New York on May 26, 1959, along with pitcher Ralph Terry for hurlers Johnny Kucks and Tom Sturdivant and infielder Jerry Lumpe.
Lopez' top slugging feat in the majors occurred on June 26, 1958, when he smote three homers for the A's against the Washington Senators.
Hector has appeared in three World Series for the Bombers. He tied a Series mark in 1961 by batting across seven runs in the five-game set.
It's hard to say exactly where Lopez will play this season, but you can be sure Manager Ralph Houk will make good use of the 30-year-old Handy Andy."

-1963 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook


JACK REED
"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 served often as Mickey Mantle's "legs" replacing the Bomber star in late innings. But is was as the offensive hero that Jack made the headlines a year ago ... 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."

-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 the need arises.
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 U. of Mississippi 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


JOE PEPITONE
1963 AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL-STAR
"Is Joe Pepitone ready to follow in the tradition of Yankee first basemen? If confidence is a qualification, the smooth swinger out of Brooklyn has the job won. Prepped as an outfielder in his four minor league seasons, he did get a brief fill-in trial at the bag in 1962 before getting sent to Richmond. Pepitone swings a quick bat, lashing at the pitch at the last moment.
He was almost killed by a bullet in a schoolboy accident."

-Don Schiffer, 1963 Major League Baseball Complete Handbook

" 'Quick wrists ... a good looking hitter with natural instincts.' That's what Joe DiMaggio said of Joe Pepitone at the Yankee Advance Training Camp at Ft. Lauderdale in 1962. That prediction and Ralph Houk's confidence in the Brooklyn-born 22-year-old will be tested this year as Peppy bids to become the Yankees' regular first sacker.
Now a resident of the Bronx, Pepitone was a much sought after outfielder-first baseman in Brooklyn as a free-swinging member of the Nathan's Famous (Hot Dog) team. Most other major league clubs lost interest in Joe after he was accidentally shot through the chest in a high school classroom. But his great desire to become a Yankee may soon pay off for the World Champions.
'As a little kid, I wanted to be a Yankee. I guess I've never wanted anything else,' Pepitone said to a reporter last spring.
Pepitone served a Yankee apprenticeship during the first half of 1962. He played first, the outfield and he pinch-hit. He batted only .239, but played well in the field and hit seven homers. Actually, he entered the record books with his slugging prowess, tying a major league record by hitting two home runs in one inning, May 23, 1962 versus Kansas City.
He spent about six weeks in Richmond last year, hitting .315 with eight homers. He's back at Yankee Stadium now ... he hopes to stay."

-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook

Signed by Yankee organization, April 13, 1958.
Tied major league record by hitting two home runs in one inning, against Kansas City, May 23, 1962.

-1963 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide

"Trying his best to become a Yankee regular is 22-year-old Joe Pepitone, the Brooklyn native who lives in the Bronx.
Though he spent little more than half the 1962 campaign with the Yanks before being sent to Richmond, Joe tied a major league record by hitting two homers in one inning against the Kansas City A's on May 23.
While batting only .239 with the Yanks, Pepitone showed the Bomber board of strategy that he has the talent to make it big at the Bronx ballyard.
Signed by the Yanks in August of 1958, Joe has seen service with Auburn, Fargo-Moorhead, Binghamton and Amarillo. His best season came with the latter club in 1961 when he batted .316, with 21 homers and 87 RBI."

-1963 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook


PHIL LINZ
"Playing shortstop, second, third and even right field on one occasion, young Phil Linz is the Yankee handyman. Basically a shortstop, Phil competed with Tom Tresh for the position in the spring of 1962 while Tony Kubek was in service. While Phil did not win the competition, he made a major contribution to the Yankees' winning cause last season.
He was the fifth-leading hitter on the club with a .287 average. He led the Yanks in pinch-hitting, garnering seven hits in 15 at bats for a .467 mark. Phil's first major league hit was a two-run homer, his only round tripper with the Yankees.
The bespectacled infielder (he tried contact lenses this spring, but went back to his regular glasses) comes by his strong major league hitting honestly. In his last two minor league campaigns, the native Baltimorean led the Texas League in hitting (with .349 in 1961) and the Carolina League in hitting (with .321 in 1960). In each of his five full minor league seasons, Linz increased his batting average. He goes with the pitch, scattering his shots to all fields.
Phil Linz may be the Yankees' No.1 infield utility man, but he doesn't weaken the club when he's in the regular lineup. Phil's an aggressive, driving ball player, with good speed on the bases and a flair for the dramatic."

-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook

Signed by Yankee organization, June 9, 1957.
Leading hitter in Carolina League (.321), 1960.
Leading hitter in Texas League (.349), 1961.
First major league hit was a home run, against Kansas City, May 23, 1962.

-1963 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide

"Used principally as an infield reserve in 1962, bespectacled Phil Linz nevertheless was able to bat a very respectable .287 in 71 games with the Bombers.
He was available to Manager Houk for emergency calls at second, short or third. And when asked to perform, Phil turned in a creditable job.
Linz was corralled by the Bomber organization in June 1957. After advancing through the chain with Kearney, Auburn, and Modesto, Linz lead the Carolina League in hitting with a .321 while performing for Greensboro. In 1961 he paced all Texas League batters with an average of .349 for Amarillo.
Phil, more of a line-drive hitter than a slugger type, is rated highly as a fielder and has good speed on the basepaths."

-1963 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook


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


BILL STAFFORD
"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

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 post-season 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


STAN WILLIAMS
"If Stan Williams learns to do things the Yankee way he could be the No. 4 starter at Yankee Stadium. The Enfield (NH) gunner left the Dodgers in the year's major deal, happy to get the opportunity to prove that he can absorb instructions cheerfully and patiently. Since joining the Dodgers in 1958 he's been threatening to become a big winner, but his 4.45 ERA in 1962 made L.A. give up on him.
Williams comes to American League with a 57-46 lifetime and a reputation for being a trifle wild. He had five years in the minors."

-Don Schiffer, 1963 Major League Baseball Handbook

"There is not much question about the place newcomer Stan Williams occupies in the Yankee scheme of things. The 6'4" right-hander looms large in Manager Ralph Houk's plans for 1963 ... and the future. Otherwise, the Yanks certainly would not have traded popular Moose Skowron for the former Dodger right-hander. The Yankees felt they need another regular starting pitcher. And, after a spring training season, they feel they got the right man.
Big Stan is only 26, but he's been a big-leaguer since mid-1958 when the Dodgers brought him up. Going into this season he had posted 57 wins against 46 losses, with only 760 hits in 872 innings pitched. Better still, Stan fanned 657 men and walked 429 in those 872 frames. In 1961, Stan struck out 205 batters, most by any National League right-handed pitcher.
But for a quirk of fate, perhaps Stan never would have been available to the Yankees. He had the misfortune of walking the Giants' Jim Davenport with the bases full to force in the winning run in the third and final playoff game last fall. Just the day before, Williams had been the star of the Dodgers' comeback victory, hurling five shutout relief innings. But as Stan himself says: 'Maybe it turned out for the best. I know I'm happy to be here and anxious to prove to the Yankees that they made the right move in getting me.' "

-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook

Acquired from Los Angeles in exchange for first baseman Bill Skowron, November 1962.

-1963 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide

"Acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for first baseman Bill Skowron on November 26, 1962, big Stan Williams is being counted on by Manager Ralph Houk as one of his regular starting pitchers.
Though one of the hardest throwers in the majors, Williams needs sharper control to reach the pinnacle of mound success.
Williams joined the Dodgers during the 1958 season after serving in the Dodger chain since 1954 with Shawnee, Newport News, Fort Worth and St. Paul.
Though he had only a 5-5 record in the Dodgers' pennant-winning year of 1959, he became one of the flag heroes when, in the final playoff game against the Milwaukee Braves, Stan hurled three scoreless innings and received credit for the 12-inning win which put the Dodgers into the World Series.
Besides appearing in the Series, Williams has pitched in one All-Star Game.
In his three years with LA, Stan's ERA has gone up each season. If he can correct that, and use the new strike zone to full advantage, the Bombers will have once more dealt their way to success."

-1963 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook

"The Yankees' newest starting pitcher is Stan Williams, 6'4" right-hander acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers in an even-up trade for Bill 'Moose' Skowron. The 26-year-old Californian has won 14, 15 and 14 games in the last three seasons for the Dodgers while hurling a three-year total of 628 innings. In this time, Stan fanned 438 and walked 278. The Yankees have high hopes for their new starting hurler and expect him to round out a strong starting rotation of Whitey Ford, Ralph Terry and Bill Stafford."

-1963 New York Yankees Official Program and Scorecard


JIM COATES
"Jim Coates pitched in 50 Yankee games in 1962, the most appearances since he first starting pitching 11 years ago. But big Jim was only one game over .500, at 7-6. But even that somewhat disappointing mark left his career won-lost record at an amazing 37-15 for a .712 percentage, a point higher than Whitey Ford.
In 1960, Jim won his first nine decisions and wound up the season with a 13-3 record. His top effort last season was a brilliant one-hit relief chore against Baltimore on June 8th. He relieved Ford in the second inning and gave up only one harmless hit the rest of the way to gain a vital 1-0 win over the Orioles. While Coates did not have his best year in '62, he was among the stingiest in yielding home runs, allowing only one every 13.1 innings.
Jim is a rough competitor and plays to win. If you ever watch batting practice you'll know he throws as hard when his teammates are taking their swings as he does he when the opposition is trying to beat him.
The lanky 30-year-old right-hander from the unlikely town of Village, Virginia, serves as a spot starter as well as a long and short relief man on Manager Ralph Houk's staff. Jim doesn't care what he does as long as he can contribute another Yankee pennant."

-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook

Signed by Yankee organization, December 12, 1951.
Won his first nine decisions of 1960.

-1963 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide

"Lanky, fast-balling Jim Coates begins his fifth season with the Bombers having compiled a 37-15 won-lost mark for a highly respectable .712 percentage during his first four major league campaigns.
Jim is used mainly as a long relief man. Though tending to be erratic at times, when he's right he's as tough to beat as anyone in the big time.
With Richmond in 1958, Coates suffered a fractured elbow in May which sidelined him for the remainder of the season.
In 1960, his sophomore season with the Yanks, Jim reeled off nine straight victories at the start of the campaign, finishing with a 13-3 mark for a league-leading .813 percentage. He's appeared in three World Series and one All-Star game.
In '62, Coates hurled in 50 contests, winning seven while losing six. His earned run mark was 4.42."

-1963 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook


BUD DALEY
"Buddy Leo Daley, the Yankee southpaw from Orange, California, has a rather deceptive statistical record. He came up through the Cleveland organization, was traded to Kansas City, and eventually (1961) was obtained by the Yankees. Twice with the A's he won 16 games and made the American League All-Star team.
But Bud has yet to be a big winner for the Yankees. After more than 600 innings in three years, Bud was on the mound for only 105 last season, mainly in relief roles. After a fair start a year ago, Daley made 14 consecutive relief appearances (from June 29 to August 11) in which he pitched scoreless ball - over a 35 1/3 inning span. Last July he was 3-0 with a 1.89 ERA.
A control hurler, Bud allowed only 21 walks last season. In 25 of his 43 appearances in 1962, he did not permit an earned run.
The Yankees' middle relief man has excelled in World Series and All-Star play. In three Series games, he has a 0.00 ERA, allowing just two unearned runs in eight innings, and none at all in the two All-Star appearances.
Manager Ralph Houk is counting on Daley for valuable service in the 1963 title defense by the World Champions."

-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook

Acquired from Kansas City Athletics in exchange for pitcher Art Ditmar and infielder Deron Johnson, June 14, 1961.

-1963 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide

"Having been an in-and-outer since being a member of the Yankee staff upon being obtained from the Kansas City A's on June 14, 1961 in exchange for pitcher Art Ditmar and infielder-outfielder Deron Johnson, Buddy Leo Daley is counting on being a steady winner in 1963.
He was considered one of the American League's better southpaws and the ace of the A's staff during the 1959 and '60 campaigns when he racked up 16-13 and 16-16 marks respectively for the downtrodden westerners.
The 29-year-old native of Orange, California, was originally the property of the Cleveland Indians, with whom he first appeared in the majors at the tail end of 1955 after compiling an 18-16 record with Sacramento.
On April 1, 1958, the tribe traded Daley along with outfielders Dick Williams and Gene Woodling to the Baltimore Orioles for outfielder Larry Doby and pitcher Don Ferrarese. Seventeen days later, Bud was dealt to the A's for right-hander Arnold Portocarrero.
Daley has a wide assortment of pitches in his repertoire, including a tricky knuckleball, which he hopes will enable him to lead the Bombers to Pennantville."

-1963 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook


MARSHALL BRIDGES
"All's well in the bullpen when Marshall Bridges, 'The Sheriff,' is available to put the padlock on enemy uprisings. A first-time Yankee in 1962, he took over for the injured Luis Arroyo and kept the staff from falling apart at critical times. A crackling fastball and a low breaking curve gave him an 8-4 figure and 20-10 lifetime.
Born in Jackson, Mississippi, Bridges worked at St. Louis and Cincy from 1959 to '61."

-Don Schiffer, 1963 Major League Baseball Handbook

"A year ago, Marshall Bridges was an unknown quantity, a newcomer to the American League. But that indefinite status was quickly erased as the 'Sheriff' developed into the early season bullpen ace of the Yankees. Overall, he appeared in 52 games (all in relief) to top the staff in total mound appearances. He posted a 3.13 ERA, second only to Whitey Ford's 2.90.
By the end of June, the big Mississippi southpaw had an amazing 1.22 ERA. Actually, he didn't allow a run in his first 14 appearances last year. He topped the staff in strikeout average with 8.25 whiffs per nine inning game. And the Sheriff was lowest among the Yanks in allowing home runs, granting only four all season (one in every 18 innings).
Overall, Bridges has a .667 won-lost record (20 and 10), with 212 strikeouts and only 119 walks in 226 major league innings pitched. Before coming to the Yankees from Cincinnati, Marshall had scored a moderate success but never was able to maintain a place on a major league roster for a full season.
An elaborate storyteller, Bridges was the butt of several well-intentioned Yankee pranksters this spring following his unfortunate shooting in a Florida club on the second day of training. Marshall has completely recovered from the leg injury and hopes to make another notable contribution to a Yankee pennant campaign."

-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook

Acquired from Cincinnati Reds in exchange for catcher Jesse Gonder, December 1961.
Led Yankee pitchers in games saved (18), 1962.

-1963 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide

"One of the most valuable Yankees in their successful 1962 pennant drive was left-handed relief hurler Marshall Bridges, who led Bomber moundsmen in games saved with 11, not to mention his eight victories.
With Luis Arroyo, the relief ace of 1961, sidelined with elbow trouble, Manager Ralph Houk turned to Bridges. 'The Fox' didn't disappoint him.
An accident prior to spring training this year hampered Bridges' conditioning in his attempt to repeat his topnotch work of '62. Bridges was shot in the calf of his left leg in a Fort Lauderdale nightclub, February 12, by a woman who was arrested by police on a charge of aggravated assault. The bullet damaged a calf muscle and broke a bone, but wasn't regarded as too serious an injury by physicians.
Bridges was acquired by the Yanks on December 14, 1961 from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for catcher Jesse Gonder. 'The Fox,' who started his diamond career in 1953 with Sioux City as a first baseman, first appeared in the majors with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1959. He had begun that campaign with Rochester after having starred for Sacramento in 1957 and '58.
Bridges spent the 1960 season with the Cards and Reds, finishing with a 6-2 mark and a 2.37 ERA in 57 innings. He split '61 with the Reds and Jersey City before coming to New York."

-1963 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook


JIM BOUTON
1963 AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL-STAR
"As the 1962 baseball season approached, Jim Bouton was on the roster of an AA club, getting a "look" in training by Manager Ralph Houk. The manager obviously liked what he saw, because the young right-hander from Ridgewood, New Jersey was added to the Yankee roster at the start of the season, and remained all year to make a growing contribution to the Yanks' pennant success.
Posting a 7-7 record and a 3.99 ERA, 24-year-old Jim yielded only 124 hits in the 133 innings he pitched in 36 games. There certainly are two contests in his freshman year that Bouton will never forget. One was his first major league start in which he threw a seven-hit shutout at the Washington Senators. The other game that Jim will recall to his children at some distant date will be the June 24th contest at Detroit ... the longest game in major league annals (seven hours). Jim came on in relief in the 16th inning and finished the 22-inning contest, pitching shutout ball over the last seven frames. He became the winning pitcher when Jack Reed hit his first homer with a man aboard in the 22nd.
Bouton spent the past winter in military service, being released during the training season. Just before Christmas, he was married. Normally in the off-season, Bouton is a student at Western Michigan University, one of several present Yankees still attending college."

-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook

Signed by Yankee organization, November 11, 1958.
Pitched 7-hit shutout in first major league start, winning 8-0 over Washington, May 6, 1962.
Winning pitcher of longest game in American League (7 hours, 22 innings), final score 9-7, at Detroit, June 24, 1962.
Attends Western Michigan University in off-season.

-1963 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide

"One of the brightest young pitchers on the Yankee mound staff, judging from his rookie year performance of 1962, is 24-year-old Jim Bouton.
Showing unusual poise and savvy for a newcomer, Bouton finished with a 7-7 won-lost mark and a 3.99 ERA.
His outstanding performance, one that will be remembered by those who witnessed it, occurred last June 24 in Detroit. All Bouton did that afternoon was to shut out the Tigers on three hits over the last seven innings to receive credit for the victory in the longest game in baseball annals - seven hours. The final score of the 22-inning marathon was 9-7.
Bouton was signed by the Yankee organization in November of 1958 while a student at Western Michigan U. He still attends that school during the off-season.
After compiling a 13-7 record for Amarillo in 1961, Jim was invited to train with the Yanks in '62, his name not being on the Bombers' roster, however. He made quite an impression on Manager Ralph Houk, though, being retained when the championship season opened.
The promise of things to come by Bouton was displayed when, on May 6, in his first major league start, he blanked Washington 8-0, scattering seven hits."

-1963 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook


HAL RENIFF
"Last year the Army and a sore arm detoured Hal Reniff's Yankee career which was off to an auspicious start in mid-1961. Called up in mid-season that year, husky Hal posted a neat 2.60 ERA while winning two games as a sparkling late-inning relief man. Only 23, Hal was trained for his present assignment, serving his minor league apprenticeship as a relief pitcher. Healthy again this spring, Reniff may give the Yankees the strongest bullpen in baseball."

-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook

Signed by Yankee Organization, June 23, 1956.

-1963 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide

"A sore arm prevented Hal Reniff from doing his best work last season. But Manager Ralph Houk is hoping Hal returns to his form of 1961 when he was one of the club's bullpen mainstays over the last half of that campaign after being called up from the Richmond farm.
Hal was in the Army during the first half of the '62 season. Upon his return, he was unable to get going with the Bombers due to the condition of his arm. After only two appearances he was sent to Richmond but was able to work only six innings there.
In the Yanks' organization since 1956, Reniff's best season was in 1959 when he was 21-7 for Modesto of the California League."

-1963 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook


PEDRO GONZALEZ
"Pedro Gonzalez, the 24-year-old infielder from the Dominican Republic, appears headed for Yankee Stadium. The second baseman has the credentials ... and a good bat and quick fielding instincts. Manager Ralph Houk used Pedro at third and second as well as in the outfield this past spring in the hopes of speeding his arrival as a major leaguer."

-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook

Signed by Yankee organization, September 16, 1957.

-1963 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


BILL KUNKEL
"The first player to be drafted by the Yankees in 11 years, Bill Kunkel is making a strong bid for a spot as a late-inning reliever. He had impressed the Yankees with his heroics in Kansas City in 1961, when he was the workhorse of the A's staff, appearing in 58 games. Bill was a big factor in the late season rise of Toronto last year. After coming over from K.C., Bill posted a 6-1 record and a sparkling 2.35 ERA."

-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook

Drafted by Yankees from Toronto, November 1962.

-1963 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


HARRY BRIGHT
"Perhaps Harry has changed the minds of those who tabbed him for the big league ash pile. Power and concentration are his most admirable factors, and his .273 and 17 homers for Washington in 1962 are worthy credentials.
Born in Kansas City, Bright played for 14 teams in the minors over 13 years and spent time in Pittsburgh in 1959. He can play first or third base and will be a helpful utility figure in Cincy."

-Don Schiffer, 1963 Major League Baseball Handbook


ROLLIE SHELDON
"Call it the 'sophomore jinx' if you want to ... but to Rollie Sheldon, his second year in the majors is just a bad memory.
The lanky 'Connecticut Yankee' had played a major role in the spectacular 1961 Yankee season when so many 'big' events occurred at the Stadium. Sheldon had made the Yankees after only 150 innings of pitching in Class D ball. He impressed Manager Ralph Houk, after a 15-1 season at Auburn in the New York-Penn League, and took advantage of the opportunity given him by the Yankee manager. His first season with the champions produced an impressive 11-5 record with a 3.59 earned run average.
But last year Rollie couldn't get untracked. The confusion was compounded as he tried to correct flaws and he wound up the season with a 7-8 mark and a 5.49 ERA.
But Sheldon, a newly-wed just a year ago, takes the game of baseball seriously. He worked on his motion in front of a mirror all winter, lifted weights and determined to come to camp this spring ready for the opportunity that was open to him.
The University of Connecticut off-season is a Yankee at heart and is determined to prove himself all over again ... just like he did in the spring of 1961 when he captured the Longines Watch as the top rookie in camp."

-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook

Played in NCAA Basketball Tournament with University of Connecticut, 1960.
Signed by Yankee organization, June 3, 1960.
Winner of James P. Dawson Award as outstanding Yankee rookie in spring training, 1961.
Attends University of Connecticut in off-season.

-1963 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide

"In 1961, his rookie year in the majors, Roland Sheldon rolled up 11 wins while dropping only five. His earned run average was a neat, if not gaudy 3.59. In 1962 Sheldon's record dipped to 7-8 and his ERA rose to 5.49.
Needless to say, he's out to regain his form of '61 after his disappointing performance last season.
Signed for a reported $50,000 bonus by the Bombers in June 1960 off the U. of Connecticut campus, a school which he still attends during the off-season, Sheldon made a phenomenal jump to the varsity roster.
After compiling a 15-1 record with Auburn of the New York-Penn loop, the 6-4, 190 lb. right-hander was invited to the Yanks' spring training camp for a look-see. No one expected the Class D rookie to stay around very long.
But Manager Houk liked what he saw, being impressed with Sheldon's poise and ability. He was named winner of the James P. Dawson Award as the outstanding Yankee rookie in spring training.
When the championship race started, Sheldon was promoted to the varsity, and he's been there ever since."

-1963 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook


DALE LONG
"Dale Long won't be seen in action too often at Yankee Stadium this year, but he plays a vital role nevertheless. The 37-year-old veteran from Massachusetts is an important left-handed pinch-hitter and utility first baseman. In the latter category, Dale will fill in at first whenever Manager Houk thinks it advisable. And he'll do a competent job in both duties.
His first 1963 game will be Dale's 1,000th as a major leaguer. He won early recognition as a first baseman in the National League, serving with six other clubs before getting to the Yanks. In 1956 with the Pirates, Dale hit eight home runs in eight consecutive games, a major league record. Lifetime, Dale has hit .267 (.270 in the National League and .257 in the American)."

-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook

Established major league record with eight home runs in eight consecutive games, with Pirates, May 19-28, 1956.
Tied major league record with two consecutive pinch-hit home runs, August 13-14, 1959.
Released to New York Yankees from San Francisco Giants, August 22, 1960.
Tied major league record by scoring three men on a single, September 21, 1960.
Selected by Washington Senators from Yankees in American League Expansion Draft, December 1960.
Purchased by Yankees from Senators on waivers, July 11, 1962.
His first game in 1963 will be his 1,000th in the majors.

-1963 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide

"Handy to Manager Ralph Houk to beckon for spot duty at the initial sack or for late-inning pinch-hit calls is Dale Long, the 37-year-old veteran now in his second stint with the Bombers.
Long, purchased on waivers by the Yanks from the San Francisco Giants on August 22, 1960, was selected by the Washington Senators in the A.L. expansion draft in December of 1960. The Yanks didn't feel too good about losing Long, either, for in 26 games with the club, he compiled a .366 average. Seven of his 15 hits were for extra bases, three being home runs. He also had 10 RBI.
Thus, when the Nats put Long on waivers last July, the Yanks brought him back.
Long established a major league mark in May 1956 while with the Pirates, by clouting eight homers in eight consecutive games. He tied big-time marks with two straight pinch-hit round-trippers in August of 1959, and by scoring three men on a single, September 21, 1960."

-1963 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook


LUIS ARROYO
"This is a mighty important year for Luis Arroyo ... and the Yankees. The doughty little left-hander came off the 1961 season as the game's greatest relief pitcher. He had won The Sporting News award as Fireman of the Year. Things had never looked brighter for the popular Puerto Rican veteran. And then came the arm miseries.
Arroyo was put on the disabled list for several weeks. After he had set a league record for most appearances in a season by a left-hander (65 in 1961), he appeared in only 27 games last summer. His innings pitched were reduced from 119 to 34, his won-lost record went from 15-5 to 1-3, and he went from 19 saves to seven.
At his age (variously estimated between 36 and 38) and after 15 years of wear and tear on his valued left arm, a comeback seemed questionable. But Luis had been a real Yankee life-saver in 1960 and 1961 and Manager Ralph Houk wanted to give Arroyo every chance at a return to form. The club permitted Luis to pitch occasional winter ball during the last off-season. He had missed winter work in 1961-62.
The bullpen magician reported early this spring and there was a look of determination on the man. His performances have raised fond hopes that the Luis Arroyo of 1963 will approach the Luis Arroyo of 1961. That surely would make him a strong candidate for comeback honors."

-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook

Pitched no-hit game against Dallas, winning 3-0, August 11, 1954.
Purchased by Yankees from Jersey City, July 22, 1960.
Set American League record, most appearances by a left-handed pitcher (65), 1961.
Set American League record, most games finished by a left-handed pitcher (54), 1961.
Received Sporting News Fireman Award as top American League relief pitcher, 1961.

-1963 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide

"Hoping to recapture his form of 1961 when he won 15 and lost five is pudgy southpaw Luis Arroyo. That was the season the 36-year-old relief artist set an American League record for most appearances by a left-hander with 65, besides setting a junior circuit mark for most games finished by a southpaw with 54. His sterling rescue work not only resulted in greatly aiding the Yankees to a pennant but also enabled him to receive The Sporting News Fireman Award as the A.L.'s premier relief pitcher.
The 1962 campaign was a different story, however. Due to miseries in his pitching elbow, Luis was limited to 34 innings of hurling, compiling disappointing 1-3 won-lost and 4.76 ERA marks.
The former National Leaguer was obtained by the Yankees on July 22, 1960 from Jersey City of the International League in exchange for hurler Zack Monroe. In 29 games with the Bombers during the last half of that season, Arroyo compiled a 5-1 record in addition to an ERA of 2.85.
Luis began his career in Organized Baseball in 1948 with the St. Louis Cardinal organization but didn't get into a major league contest with the parent club until 1955, making stops at Greenville, Greensboro, Columbus, Rochester and Houston along the way.
His outstanding achievement up until that time was a no-hit game for Houston against Dallas on August 11, 1954."

-1963 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook


HAL BROWN
"Purchased from Baltimore last September by the Yankees, veteran right-hander Hal Brown is making a strong bid for a place as a spot starter and relief man on the 1963 Yankees. A native of Greensboro, North Carolina, the 38-year-old veteran has pitched for the White Sox, Red Sox and Orioles."

-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook

Purchased by Yankeed from Baltimore Orioles, September 7, 1962.

-1963 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


TEX CLEVENGER
"Hoping to spend his first full season with the Yankees is relief hurler Tex Clevenger, who has yet to come through for the club as was expected when he was obtained from the Los Angeles Angels on May 8, 1961, along with outfielder Bob Cerv, in exchange for pitchers Ryne Duren and Johnny James and first baseman-outfielder Lee Thomas.
Clevenger began the '62 campaign with the Bombers but was sent to Richmond where he had a 1.80 ERA in four outings. Recalled by New York, Tex captured his only two decisions, while compiling a 2.84 ERA in 38 frames.
Except for a hitch with Louisville in 1956, Clevenger was a member of the Senators through 1960 when, after the Washington franchise was transferred to Minnesota, he was taken by the Angels in the December 1960 expansion draft."

-1963 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook

Acquired from Los Angeles Angels along with outfielder Bob Cerv in exchange for pitchers Johnny James and Ryne Duren and outfielder-first baseman Lee Thomas, May 8, 1961.

-1963 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


JACK CULLEN and AL DOWNING
"A couple of top-ranking young pitching prospects who may be around part of this season to contribute to the Yankee pennant drive are Al Downing, a southpaw from Trenton and Jack Cullen, a right-hander from Belleville, New Jersey. Both have had brief previous trials with the Yankees and the club's brass rates them as future Yankees."

-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook

JACK CULLEN
Signed by Yankee organization, September 5, 1958.

-1963 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide

AL DOWNING
Signed by Yankee organization, December 9, 1960.
Pitched no-hit game for Richmond, May 12, 1962, beating Syracuse 4-0.

-1963 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


CURT BLEFARY
Signed by Yankee organization, June 18, 1962.
Attends Wagner College in off-season.

-1963 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


JIM BRONSTAD
Signed by Yankee organization, February 7, 1955.

-1963 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


JAKE GIBBS
All-American quarterback at University of Mississippi, 1960.
Signed by Yankee organization, May 25, 1961.

-1963 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


ALAN HALL
Signed by Yankee organization, June 18, 1960.
Baseball All-American at University of Arizona, 1960.

-1963 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


GEORGE HANEY
Signed by Yankee organization, June 21, 1959.

-1963 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


MIKE HEGAN
Signed by Yankee organization, August 11, 1961.
Third leading hitter in Florida State League (.306) his first year of pro ball, 1962.
Son of Jim Hegan, former major league catcher and presently bullpen coach for the Yankees.

-1963 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


HOWARD KITT
Signed by Yankee organization, November 23, 1960.
Attends Hofstra College in off-season.

-1963 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


BILL MADDEN
Signed by Yankee organization, May 29, 1961.
Attends Boston College in off-season.

-1963 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


BOB MEYER
Signed by Yankee organization, January 2, 1960.
Attends University of Toledo in off-season.

-1963 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


RON SOLOMINI
Signed by Yankee organization, June 9, 1961.
Attends Long Island University in off-season.

-1963 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


HAL STOWE
Signed by Yankee organization, June 17, 1959.
Pitched Clemson Tigers into Collegiate World Series, two years in a row, 1958 and 1959.
Attends Clemson College in off-season.

-1963 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


BEHIND THE SCENES
"The operation of a major league baseball club is considerably more involved than just the field operation... as important as that is.
But to get championship-caliber players, a strong farm system is required. To keep those players well and at their respective physical peaks takes the care and attention of a capable medical staff. To get the team to its destinations throughout the league and in spring training, to house and feed the squad and do multiple other services, the club needs a competent traveling secretary. To keep the players looking neat and clean and to provide a proper locker room setting takes knowledgeable clubhouse men. All of these the Yankees have."

-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook

JOE SOARES AND DON SEGER (Trainers)
"The Yankees employ a competent staff of medical advisory personnel to check on and care for both the Yankee athletes and the club's farmhands. The Yankee trainers are Joe Soares, the head trainer, and his associate Don Seger. Both trainers recently moved up to the Yankees after spending years as trainers for Yankee minor league clubs."

-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook


PETE SHEEHY AND PETE PREVITE (Clubhouse Men)
"Pete Sheehy and Pete Previte are two men who have been Yankees longer than anyone on the field. What's more, they spend more time under the stands at Yankee Stadium than any other club personnel. The clubhouse men who handle the uniforms and equipment as well as the clubhouse, 'Big Pete' Sheehy has been with the Yanks since 1927, while his assistant, 'Little Pete' Previte, has been here since 1942."

-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook


BRUCE HENRY (Traveling Secretary)
"Yankee traveling secretary Bruce Henry attends to all the details pertaining to travel, on the road accommodations and feeding of the club, spring training arrangements and the like. Bruce spent many years as a minor league business manager before returning to the Bombers in his present position."

-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook