1963 AMERICAN LEAGUE ALL-STAR (Manager)
"Ralph Houk is for his men, right or wrong. Never known to criticize, unless directly to the player, he's tactful and discreet but goes into uncontrollable rages when disagreeing with umpires. Born in Lawrence, Kansas, he was a Yankee catcher parts of eight years and set some sort of record by never hitting a home run.
He managed three years at Denver, molding some of Yankees who later helped win pennants. A combat officer in World II, he's affectionately called Major."
-Don Schiffer, 1963 Major League Baseball Handbook
"Ralph Houk has been a man of destiny in the New York Yankee organization. Through perseverance, aggressiveness and intelligent application, Ralph Houk succeeded to the most glamorous and yet most challenging position in sports - manager of the Yankees. To term his first two years an unqualified success is to say the obvious.
Only three managers in the game's history ever won a World Series in their first year as pilot. Houk is the first ever to win in his first two seasons at the helm. It would be hard to improve on "two for two."
But Ralph had to do it the hard way, and maybe that's why his success has been so rewarding and so gratifying.
Houk first signed with the Yankee organization in 1939. He worked his way up through the minor league system with stops at Neosho, Joplin, Binghamton, Augusta, Beaumont and Kansas City before he finally was assigned to the Yankee club in 1947. He had spent four full seasons in military service and came out a decorated combat hero with the rank of Major.
Now, after eight long years, he was a Yankee. But there were more disappointments. There was a young catcher by the name of Berra who was just starting to make it big with the Bombers. And so, Ralph went back to the K.C. Blues for most of the 1948 and '49 seasons. He came close to quitting, but his desire to be a Yankee kept him in baseball. He was a sub catcher from 1950 through 1954 and served also as a coach in 1953 and '54.
Then the Major got his opportunity to manage in the minors, taking over the Yanks' top farm club at Denver. His clubs always were in the race and he piloted the Bears to a Little World Series triumph in 1957. This was an indication of things to come. He returned to the Yankees as first base coach in 1958 and was fully prepared for the manager's post when the opportunity came after the 1960 season.
In 1961, he won The Sporting News designation as American League Manager of the Year. He has earned the confidence and respect of his players and the admiration of his opponents. Ralph Houk today is manager of the World Champions in the truest tradition of his Yankee predecessors."
-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook
Coach, New York Yankees, 1953, 1954, 1958, 1959 and 1960.
-1963 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
"Bomber Boss Ralph Houk is out to tie an old record this season. Not since Hughie Jennings guided the Detroit Tigers to successive pennants in 1907-08-09 has a major league manager won flags during his first three seasons as a big-time pilot. Houk has two to his credit thus far. There's one big difference between Houk's and Jennings' marks though. The old Tiger manager never captured a World Series, while Ralph has yet to drop one.
Though a veteran of only 91 major league games as a catcher spread over eight active years with the Yankees, Houk has long been regarded as one of the game's best brains.
Discovered by the late Bomber scout Bill Essick, Houk began his pro career with Neosho of the Arkansas-Missouri loop in 1939. He also performed with Joplin, Binghamton and Augusta before enlisting in the army as a private. He came out of the service a major in the Rangers, receiving a battlefield commission. He was awarded, among other citations, the Silver Star for heroic action in Luxembourg in 1944.
After catching for Kansas City and Beaumont, Houk joined the Yanks in 1947, remaining with the parent club through the '54 campaign, except for short tenures with the KC American Association farm in '48 and '49.
Ralph piloted Denver for three seasons, 1955-56-57, finishing second twice and third once, before returning to the stadium as a coach under Casey Stengel in 1958.
The Bomber pilot resides in Saddle River, New Jersey, with his wife, Bette, and two of his three children - Dick, 19 and Bobby, 13. Donna, 21, is married.
Houk's favorite hobbies are hunting, fishing and winning pennants."
-1963 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook
YOGI BERRA (Coach)
"It may seem a bit strange to read of Yogi Berra on the coaching page but the indomitable Berra now serves as first base signalman along with his catching and pinch-hitting duties. After 17 seasons in the Yankee pinstripes, no one could be better qualified to handle the coaching reins than the popular Yogi."
-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook
Signed by Yankee organization, November 11, 1942.
First player to hit pinch homer in World Series, accomplishing feat against Brooklyn, October 2, 1947.
Named American League's Most Valuable Player, 1951.
Tied with Gus Triandos, most home runs in one season by American League catcher (30), 1952 and 1956.
Named American League's Most Valuable Player, 1954.
Named American League's Most Valuable Player, 1955.
One of eight players, six of whom are Yankees, to hit a grand slam in a World Series game, October 5, 1956, against Brooklyn.
Has hit more home runs than any major league catcher in history (305) while hitting 45 as an outfielder.
Has played in most World Series games (74) in major league history.
Has most hits in World Series (71) in major league history.
Has most RBIs in World Series (39) in major league history.
Has most chances, catcher in World Series, lifetime
Has most putouts, catcher in World Series, lifetime
Has most assists, catcher in World Series, lifetme.
Signed dual contract as player-coach, January 17, 1963.
-1963 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
FRANKIE CROSETTI (Coach)
"After 111 World Series games as a player and coach in 21 of the Yankees' record 27 classics, Frank Crosetti still has the enthusiasm of a young player. Cro has been third base coach since 1949 after playing shortstop for 17 years. Crosetti now is in his 32nd consecutive year as a Yankee."
-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook
"The familiar figure of Frank Crosetti will man the third base coaching box at the Stadium once again this season, the 32nd straight campaign he has worn a Bomber uniform.
Frank was one of the game's top shortstops by the time he came to New York from the San Francisco Seals in 1932. He stepped aside for Phil Rizzuto in 1941.
Crosetti, 51, is a father of two. A Yank coach since 1947, he appeared in seven World Series and one All-Star game. He holds several major league and Series marks."
-1963 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook
Has appeared on 21 of the 27 Yankee pennant-winning clubs.
Played or coached in record 111 World Series games.
Coach, New York Yankees, 1947 through 1962.
-1963 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
JIM HEGAN (Coach)
"Jim now is in his fourth season as Yankee catching and bullpen coach, after a distinguished career of 18 seasons behind the plate, most of them in Cleveland. He was in two Series with the Indians and twice played in the All-Star game. Jim's son, Mike, is an outstanding first base prospect in the Yankee farm system."
-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook
"Head man of the Bomber bullpen brigade is rangy Jim Hegan, a Yankee aide since July 1960. Born in Lynn, Massachusetts, Hegan is married and has two children.
A fine defensive catcher during his playing days, Hegan caught three no-hit games for the Cleveland Indians: Don Black's triumph over Philadelphia, July 10, 1947; Lemon's gem against Detroit, June 30, 1948; and Bob Feller's third no-hitter, July 1, 1951, against Detroit."
-1963 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook
Coach, New York Yankees, 1960 through 1962.
-1963 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
JOHNNY SAIN (Coach)
"Johnny is credited with an important contribution to the improvement of the Yankee pitching staff. This is his third season in that capacity. He was a standout pitcher for the Boston Braves, winning 20 games four times. Late in his career he was a relief ace for the Yankees."
-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook
"Launching his third season as Yankee pitching mentor is 43-year-old Johnny Sain, Yankee relief ace of 1952-53-54.
Sain, a major league hurler from 1942 through 1955 with the Boston Braves, Yanks and Kansas City A's, coached for KC briefly in 1959.
A 20-game winner four times, Sain led the NL in complete games twice, teaming with Warren Spahn in 1948 to pitch the Braves to the pennant.
Sain is married and has four children."
-1963 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook
Coach, Kansas City Athletics, 1959.
Coach, New York Yankees, 1961 and 1962.
-1963 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
SPUD MURRAY (Batting Practice Pitcher)
"This Yankee doesn't get his name in the headlines, but he's mighty popular with his teammates. He's the man who pitches EVERY DAY, serving fat pitches for the batting practice sessions. He's batting practice pitcher Spud Murray, who wears uniform No.55. He has fine control and a rubber arm."
-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook
THE BEST FRIEND A BATTER EVER HAD: Spud Murray is paid to do what pitchers are taught not to do.
"Comes contract time, the general manager of a ball club will look across the table at a fidgeting right-hander, finger a sheet of cold statistics, and argue, '... look at all those home runs you gave up ...'
The only pitcher in the majors who doesn't have to answer this argument is Meredith (Spud) Murray, of the New York Yankees. He is PAID for giving up home runs. The more the better, and he'd better not get funny and try to fool the batter, or he may lose one of the most profitable pastimes ever developed.
Spud Murray is the Yankees' batting practice pitcher. The champs have had batting practice pitchers before, and so have most other clubs, but Murray is probably the best paid. Count the three-quarter share of the World Series pie he's been voted by his grateful teammates in the past several years, and his yearly stipend for a couple of hours of work each day, and you have a salary pushing the $17,500 figure. There are some front-line pitchers around both leagues who don't make that kind of money.
Spud earns his, and in a manner which runs against the grain of what he or any other pitcher has been taught. He must get the ball over in batting practice so that fellows like Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris, Tommy Tresh and, yes, Bobby Richardson have a good chance to smack one out of there. Lots of nice fat pitches, down the middle.
There are two schools on batting practice. Some managers swear when their hitters signal only for 'strength' pitches.
'What's the use of hitting those blankety-blank pitches,' they fume. 'Batters KNOW they can hit kind of stuff. Why don't they call for a couple of curves or the stuff they've been striking out on?'
The Yankees look at it a little differently. Richardson, who broke the American League record for times at bat last year, is a spokesman for the other side, the Yankee side.
'Spud has orders to pitch to our strength,' says Bobby. 'If we hit the ball well before a game, it'll give us confidence in the game. That's all we ask.'
The Yankees get a steady home run ratio from Murray. During a working day he will throw 150 pitches to the regulars (the coaches throw to the second stringers before Murray strides onto the stage, and Murray warms up during the interlude by shagging in the outfield). Of those 150 tosses, the Yankees don't want more than a half-dozen to be out of the strike zone, and they'd like to see about three dozen go sailing over the fences or into the seats.
Murray will lose four pounds on an average day. He's learned to stay alert, too, just so he won't be separated from any more of his anatomy.
A home run pitch served to Mantle could come blasting back through the box at express train rate. There's a waist-high protective screen in front of the mound and Murray has become expert at dropping behind it as a come-back ball rockets overhead.
Murray has been with the Yankees two years. Roy Hamey brought him from the Phillies when he took over his front office role, and it's worked out fine. Spud is part and parcel of the Yankees, travels with them, goes to spring training, and is part of a daily car-pool with other members of the Yankees' large New Jersey colony when the team plays in Yankee Stadium. During the winter he is a carpenter around his Media, Pennsylvania home.
Murray pitched at a half-dozen stops in the minors. It was the old story of an arm going sour, but a story with a twist and a happy ending.
The Yankees are perennial winners because they have the talent, of course, but they are persnickety for details. (Did you that they have a stand-by record of The Star-Spangled Banner to be played before the game in case something happens to the regular record?) Maybe this has counted in the long run of pennants and World Series, too. For instance, Spud Murray not only has as many uniforms, home and road, as any other Yankee, but his are a special kind. The right hip pocket on each is deep enough to hold six baseballs. It saves Murray that much bending or turning to get replacements.
As an old pitcher who got as high as Double-A, Spud occasionally gets the inevitable urge to slip one past the big hitters for what would be called a strike- you know, maybe the ball that would end the game. Does he ever do it?
He scratched his reddish crew-cut thoughtfully. 'I'm paid to let them hit it,' he said, 'and besides, have you ever seen Ralph Houk when he gets mad?'"
-Harold Rosenthal, Sports All Stars 1963 Baseball
"Ralph Houk is for his men, right or wrong. Never known to criticize, unless directly to the player, he's tactful and discreet but goes into uncontrollable rages when disagreeing with umpires. Born in Lawrence, Kansas, he was a Yankee catcher parts of eight years and set some sort of record by never hitting a home run.
He managed three years at Denver, molding some of Yankees who later helped win pennants. A combat officer in World II, he's affectionately called Major."
-Don Schiffer, 1963 Major League Baseball Handbook
"Ralph Houk has been a man of destiny in the New York Yankee organization. Through perseverance, aggressiveness and intelligent application, Ralph Houk succeeded to the most glamorous and yet most challenging position in sports - manager of the Yankees. To term his first two years an unqualified success is to say the obvious.
Only three managers in the game's history ever won a World Series in their first year as pilot. Houk is the first ever to win in his first two seasons at the helm. It would be hard to improve on "two for two."
But Ralph had to do it the hard way, and maybe that's why his success has been so rewarding and so gratifying.
Houk first signed with the Yankee organization in 1939. He worked his way up through the minor league system with stops at Neosho, Joplin, Binghamton, Augusta, Beaumont and Kansas City before he finally was assigned to the Yankee club in 1947. He had spent four full seasons in military service and came out a decorated combat hero with the rank of Major.
Now, after eight long years, he was a Yankee. But there were more disappointments. There was a young catcher by the name of Berra who was just starting to make it big with the Bombers. And so, Ralph went back to the K.C. Blues for most of the 1948 and '49 seasons. He came close to quitting, but his desire to be a Yankee kept him in baseball. He was a sub catcher from 1950 through 1954 and served also as a coach in 1953 and '54.
Then the Major got his opportunity to manage in the minors, taking over the Yanks' top farm club at Denver. His clubs always were in the race and he piloted the Bears to a Little World Series triumph in 1957. This was an indication of things to come. He returned to the Yankees as first base coach in 1958 and was fully prepared for the manager's post when the opportunity came after the 1960 season.
In 1961, he won The Sporting News designation as American League Manager of the Year. He has earned the confidence and respect of his players and the admiration of his opponents. Ralph Houk today is manager of the World Champions in the truest tradition of his Yankee predecessors."
-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook
Coach, New York Yankees, 1953, 1954, 1958, 1959 and 1960.
-1963 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
"Bomber Boss Ralph Houk is out to tie an old record this season. Not since Hughie Jennings guided the Detroit Tigers to successive pennants in 1907-08-09 has a major league manager won flags during his first three seasons as a big-time pilot. Houk has two to his credit thus far. There's one big difference between Houk's and Jennings' marks though. The old Tiger manager never captured a World Series, while Ralph has yet to drop one.
Though a veteran of only 91 major league games as a catcher spread over eight active years with the Yankees, Houk has long been regarded as one of the game's best brains.
Discovered by the late Bomber scout Bill Essick, Houk began his pro career with Neosho of the Arkansas-Missouri loop in 1939. He also performed with Joplin, Binghamton and Augusta before enlisting in the army as a private. He came out of the service a major in the Rangers, receiving a battlefield commission. He was awarded, among other citations, the Silver Star for heroic action in Luxembourg in 1944.
After catching for Kansas City and Beaumont, Houk joined the Yanks in 1947, remaining with the parent club through the '54 campaign, except for short tenures with the KC American Association farm in '48 and '49.
Ralph piloted Denver for three seasons, 1955-56-57, finishing second twice and third once, before returning to the stadium as a coach under Casey Stengel in 1958.
The Bomber pilot resides in Saddle River, New Jersey, with his wife, Bette, and two of his three children - Dick, 19 and Bobby, 13. Donna, 21, is married.
Houk's favorite hobbies are hunting, fishing and winning pennants."
-1963 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook
YOGI BERRA (Coach)
"It may seem a bit strange to read of Yogi Berra on the coaching page but the indomitable Berra now serves as first base signalman along with his catching and pinch-hitting duties. After 17 seasons in the Yankee pinstripes, no one could be better qualified to handle the coaching reins than the popular Yogi."
-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook
Signed by Yankee organization, November 11, 1942.
First player to hit pinch homer in World Series, accomplishing feat against Brooklyn, October 2, 1947.
Named American League's Most Valuable Player, 1951.
Tied with Gus Triandos, most home runs in one season by American League catcher (30), 1952 and 1956.
Named American League's Most Valuable Player, 1954.
Named American League's Most Valuable Player, 1955.
One of eight players, six of whom are Yankees, to hit a grand slam in a World Series game, October 5, 1956, against Brooklyn.
Has hit more home runs than any major league catcher in history (305) while hitting 45 as an outfielder.
Has played in most World Series games (74) in major league history.
Has most hits in World Series (71) in major league history.
Has most RBIs in World Series (39) in major league history.
Has most chances, catcher in World Series, lifetime
Has most putouts, catcher in World Series, lifetime
Has most assists, catcher in World Series, lifetme.
Signed dual contract as player-coach, January 17, 1963.
-1963 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
FRANKIE CROSETTI (Coach)
"After 111 World Series games as a player and coach in 21 of the Yankees' record 27 classics, Frank Crosetti still has the enthusiasm of a young player. Cro has been third base coach since 1949 after playing shortstop for 17 years. Crosetti now is in his 32nd consecutive year as a Yankee."
-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook
"The familiar figure of Frank Crosetti will man the third base coaching box at the Stadium once again this season, the 32nd straight campaign he has worn a Bomber uniform.
Frank was one of the game's top shortstops by the time he came to New York from the San Francisco Seals in 1932. He stepped aside for Phil Rizzuto in 1941.
Crosetti, 51, is a father of two. A Yank coach since 1947, he appeared in seven World Series and one All-Star game. He holds several major league and Series marks."
-1963 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook
Has appeared on 21 of the 27 Yankee pennant-winning clubs.
Played or coached in record 111 World Series games.
Coach, New York Yankees, 1947 through 1962.
-1963 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
JIM HEGAN (Coach)
"Jim now is in his fourth season as Yankee catching and bullpen coach, after a distinguished career of 18 seasons behind the plate, most of them in Cleveland. He was in two Series with the Indians and twice played in the All-Star game. Jim's son, Mike, is an outstanding first base prospect in the Yankee farm system."
-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook
"Head man of the Bomber bullpen brigade is rangy Jim Hegan, a Yankee aide since July 1960. Born in Lynn, Massachusetts, Hegan is married and has two children.
A fine defensive catcher during his playing days, Hegan caught three no-hit games for the Cleveland Indians: Don Black's triumph over Philadelphia, July 10, 1947; Lemon's gem against Detroit, June 30, 1948; and Bob Feller's third no-hitter, July 1, 1951, against Detroit."
-1963 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook
Coach, New York Yankees, 1960 through 1962.
-1963 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
JOHNNY SAIN (Coach)
"Johnny is credited with an important contribution to the improvement of the Yankee pitching staff. This is his third season in that capacity. He was a standout pitcher for the Boston Braves, winning 20 games four times. Late in his career he was a relief ace for the Yankees."
-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook
"Launching his third season as Yankee pitching mentor is 43-year-old Johnny Sain, Yankee relief ace of 1952-53-54.
Sain, a major league hurler from 1942 through 1955 with the Boston Braves, Yanks and Kansas City A's, coached for KC briefly in 1959.
A 20-game winner four times, Sain led the NL in complete games twice, teaming with Warren Spahn in 1948 to pitch the Braves to the pennant.
Sain is married and has four children."
-1963 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook
Coach, Kansas City Athletics, 1959.
Coach, New York Yankees, 1961 and 1962.
-1963 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
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
SPUD MURRAY (Batting Practice Pitcher)
"This Yankee doesn't get his name in the headlines, but he's mighty popular with his teammates. He's the man who pitches EVERY DAY, serving fat pitches for the batting practice sessions. He's batting practice pitcher Spud Murray, who wears uniform No.55. He has fine control and a rubber arm."
-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook
THE BEST FRIEND A BATTER EVER HAD: Spud Murray is paid to do what pitchers are taught not to do.
"Comes contract time, the general manager of a ball club will look across the table at a fidgeting right-hander, finger a sheet of cold statistics, and argue, '... look at all those home runs you gave up ...'
The only pitcher in the majors who doesn't have to answer this argument is Meredith (Spud) Murray, of the New York Yankees. He is PAID for giving up home runs. The more the better, and he'd better not get funny and try to fool the batter, or he may lose one of the most profitable pastimes ever developed.
Spud Murray is the Yankees' batting practice pitcher. The champs have had batting practice pitchers before, and so have most other clubs, but Murray is probably the best paid. Count the three-quarter share of the World Series pie he's been voted by his grateful teammates in the past several years, and his yearly stipend for a couple of hours of work each day, and you have a salary pushing the $17,500 figure. There are some front-line pitchers around both leagues who don't make that kind of money.
Spud earns his, and in a manner which runs against the grain of what he or any other pitcher has been taught. He must get the ball over in batting practice so that fellows like Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris, Tommy Tresh and, yes, Bobby Richardson have a good chance to smack one out of there. Lots of nice fat pitches, down the middle.
There are two schools on batting practice. Some managers swear when their hitters signal only for 'strength' pitches.
'What's the use of hitting those blankety-blank pitches,' they fume. 'Batters KNOW they can hit kind of stuff. Why don't they call for a couple of curves or the stuff they've been striking out on?'
The Yankees look at it a little differently. Richardson, who broke the American League record for times at bat last year, is a spokesman for the other side, the Yankee side.
'Spud has orders to pitch to our strength,' says Bobby. 'If we hit the ball well before a game, it'll give us confidence in the game. That's all we ask.'
The Yankees get a steady home run ratio from Murray. During a working day he will throw 150 pitches to the regulars (the coaches throw to the second stringers before Murray strides onto the stage, and Murray warms up during the interlude by shagging in the outfield). Of those 150 tosses, the Yankees don't want more than a half-dozen to be out of the strike zone, and they'd like to see about three dozen go sailing over the fences or into the seats.
Murray will lose four pounds on an average day. He's learned to stay alert, too, just so he won't be separated from any more of his anatomy.
A home run pitch served to Mantle could come blasting back through the box at express train rate. There's a waist-high protective screen in front of the mound and Murray has become expert at dropping behind it as a come-back ball rockets overhead.
Murray has been with the Yankees two years. Roy Hamey brought him from the Phillies when he took over his front office role, and it's worked out fine. Spud is part and parcel of the Yankees, travels with them, goes to spring training, and is part of a daily car-pool with other members of the Yankees' large New Jersey colony when the team plays in Yankee Stadium. During the winter he is a carpenter around his Media, Pennsylvania home.
Murray pitched at a half-dozen stops in the minors. It was the old story of an arm going sour, but a story with a twist and a happy ending.
The Yankees are perennial winners because they have the talent, of course, but they are persnickety for details. (Did you that they have a stand-by record of The Star-Spangled Banner to be played before the game in case something happens to the regular record?) Maybe this has counted in the long run of pennants and World Series, too. For instance, Spud Murray not only has as many uniforms, home and road, as any other Yankee, but his are a special kind. The right hip pocket on each is deep enough to hold six baseballs. It saves Murray that much bending or turning to get replacements.
As an old pitcher who got as high as Double-A, Spud occasionally gets the inevitable urge to slip one past the big hitters for what would be called a strike- you know, maybe the ball that would end the game. Does he ever do it?
He scratched his reddish crew-cut thoughtfully. 'I'm paid to let them hit it,' he said, 'and besides, have you ever seen Ralph Houk when he gets mad?'"
-Harold Rosenthal, Sports All Stars 1963 Baseball
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