1963 Profile: Tony Kubek

"Tony Kubek is proof that it's possible to continue to improve each year. The master of many positions is now permanently established at shortstop, reclaiming his post after returning from the service late last year.
 Born in Milwaukee, he had three brilliant campaigns in the minors, averaging .333. Kubek joined the Yanks in 1957 and has been a regular at one position or another ever since. His best power year was 1960 with 14 homers and 62 RBIs."

-Don Schiffer, 1963 Major League Baseball Handbook

"Last August 7th wasn't like any other day in the 1962 pennant race. The Yankees were playing in Minnesota and beat the strong runner-up club by a 14-1 score. But the significant event was the return of shortstop Tony Kubek to the lineup. After nine months of service with the Wisconsin National Guard (on his second tour of duty), Tony stepped to the plate and belted a home run. From there he went on to hit a neat .314 in 45 games, the first time he's been over the .300 mark. But Manager Ralph Houk and his teammates think it will happen again often in the future ... batting .300 and hitting home runs, that is.
Kubek first joined the Bombers in 1957 as a 20-year-old shortstop. He won the Longines Watch as the top rookie in spring training and went on to win Rookie of the Year designation, while hitting a robust .297. In the World Series that fall in his native Milwaukee, Tony hit two homers in one game. In the intervening years, the personable and talented shortstop has played seven positions (all except the battery). But now he's back at shortstop to stay unless an emergency should dictate otherwise, although he's an excellent outfielder.
Tony was married just before going back into service in 1961. On road trips, Tony appropriately rooms with his keystone mate and good friend, Bobby Richardson."

-The New York Yankees Official 1963 Yearbook

Signed by Yankee organization, September 1, 1953.
Winner of James P. Dawson Award as outstanding Yankee rookie in spring training, 1957.
American League Rookie of the Year, 1957.
Shares record for most home runs in a World Series game by a rookie (2), October 5, 1957.
Recalled to active military duty with his Wisconsin Army Reserve unit, November 3, 1961- rejoined Yankees, August 4, 1962, hitting a home run his first time at-bat, against Minnesota, August 7, 1962.
Has played every position except pitcher and catcher for the Yankees.

-1963 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide

"One of the most valuable of all the Yankees is steady Tony Kubek. He proved it last year by the kind of ball he played upon his return to the club after serving nine months of Army duty.
Kubek reported to the Yanks on August 4. He played his first game - in left field - on August 7. On his first time at bat, he socked a three-run homer against the Minnesota Twins. Manager Houk re-installed Tony at his old shortstop position 10 days later. With Kubek back, most of Houk's worries were over. In 45 games, Kubek ended up a .314 mark with four homers and 17 RBI.
The 26-year-old Kubek was signed by the Bomber organization in September of 1953, advancing through the chain with Owensboro, Quincy and Denver until his big chance came with the Yanks in 1957.
After annexing the James P. Dawson Award as the outstanding Yankee rookie in Spring Training, Tony's first-year performance was such that he was named American League Rookie of the Year by The Sporting News.
Against the Milwaukee Braves in the World Series that Fall, Kubek tied a record by hitting two homers in a single game.
Besides performing in five Series, Tony has represented the American League in two All-Star Games."

-1963 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook