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
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