"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
"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
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
"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
"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
"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
"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
"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
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