Friday, February 28, 2014

1965 New York Yankees Management Profiles

DAN TOPPING (President)
"The Yankees this year enter a new era in their history. But as far as club President Dan Topping is concerned, the defending American League champions will have the same objectives as in the past.
'We want to continue to bring to Yankee fans in New York and around the country the same excellent brand of championship baseball that our fans have come to expect of us,' Topping said during spring training this year. 'Our new ownership and management alignment is determined to present the best in baseball and baseball entertainment at America's greatest and most historic ball park ... Yankee Stadium,' Dan added.
The post-war Yankee era has been a glamorous one. Since Topping became active head of the club 20 years ago, the Yankees have won an amazing 15 pennants and 10 World Championships ... a record of excellence unmatched in sports annals.
Topping long has been an avid sportsman. Once an outstanding amateur golfer, he also owned and operated the Brooklyn Football Dodgers and later the New York Football Yankees of the old All-American Conference. But for two decades his chief interest has been the baseball Yankees. Under the new ownership arrangement, Dan Topping will continue to direct the operations of baseball's most celebrated team ... the New York Yankees."

-The New York Yankees Official 1965 Yearbook

RALPH HOUK (Vice-President and General Manager)
"General Manager Ralph Houk is in his second year as administrative head of the vast Yankee organization. His meteoric career as a Yankee has seen Houk move through the ranks from a rookie minor league catcher (Neosho - 1939) to the Yankees as a utility receiver, to minor league Yankee manager at Denver, to Yankee coach, to manager of two World Championship Yankee teams, to his present status as General Manager, Vice-President and director. All this was accomplished with more than four years out for distinguished military service.
As manager of Denver, he always had his clubs in the playoffs, winning the Little World Series in 1957. He managed the parent Yanks for three seasons and it would be hard to improve on his record of three consecutive pennants and a pair of World Series winners.
In his new and increased responsibilities, Ralph Houk is pledged to the task of keeping the Yankees strong while continuing to present the best baseball anywhere for the legion of loyal Yankee fans everywhere."

-The New York Yankees Official 1965 Yearbook

DAN TOPPING, JR. (Vice-President and Assistant General Manager)
"Now serving as Vice-President and Assistant General Manager of the Yankees, Dan Topping, Jr. has had a close affiliation with baseball since his early childhood. He's had excellent training for the important responsibilities he holds today. After graduation from college and lengthy Marine Corps training, Dan served as G.M. of the Ft. Lauderdale Yankees, where he won a pennant in the first year of operation. He then served in various Stadium and other administrative capacities before assuming his present duties."

-The New York Yankees Official 1965 Yearbook

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

1965 New York Yankees Outlook

"It's an annual game played by pros and amateurs alike. The idea is to pick against the Yankees, using such illogical reasons as prejudice, bitterness, envy or just plain spite. But it should be stated that no such capriciousness influenced the choice here. Predicting that the Yankees will finish second in 1965, not first, was based on careful analysis and logic, the logic of the brand employed by the greatest of all hunch players, Leo Durocher.
Actually, the Yankees showed signs last year that their dynasty is crumbling, or at least that the gap between them and the rest of the league has closed up considerably. Only a great stretch drive and a sudden Baltimore collapse enabled them to win their 29th pennant.
Erosion hasn't exactly set in in the infield, but it no longer has the formidable look of previous years. Pepitone, at first, was no ball of fire at the plate with his .251 average, and manager Johnny Keane will expect a better all-around performance from him this season. Second baseman Bobby Richardson is no graybeard at 29, and he'll continue to spark now that he's decided against premature retirement. Injuries kept Tony Kubek out of the lineup much of last season, but he should work his way back into good playing form. Clete Boyer continued to make the eye-popping plays at third last year, but his batting average has dwindled so it makes you wonder what will happen if the slump continues into this season. This may be the time that the Yankees take fuller advantage of Phil Linz's versatility.
The Mickey Mantle-Roger Maris-Tom Tresh outfield packs plenty of punch and sound defense, and won't be affected in any detrimental way by Mantle's vacating center field.
Elston Howard still has the bounce and desire of a youth and he plays ball that way, which leaves the Yankees in the best possible condition as far as their first-string catcher is concerned. Young Jake Gibbs, if he doesn't run out of fingers, may move in ahead of Johnny Blanchard as the understudy.
Nobody will know how Whitey Ford's arm operation came out until the nifty lefty tries to pitch in earnest. If it is impaired, so are the Yanks' chances of repeating. You don't go around replacing Whitey Fords like you go out to buy a new car. Mel Stottlemyre was no flash in the pan and he, Bulldog Jim Bouton and Al Downing round out the starting rotation. Roland Sheldon, who picked up a curve and learned control last season, will probably be the fifth starter. It's in the bullpen where the Yankees are hurting. Pedro Ramos is a good one, but he's not going to be able to do for an entire season the kind of whitewash job he did last September. Behind him there are Pete Mikkelsen, who was effective early in the season, Bill Stafford, Hal Reniff, Steve Hamilton, Tom Metcalf, and rookies Gil Downs and Gil Blanco.
You can bet Keane will change things around his way the first chance he gets."

-Jack Zanger, Major League Baseball 1965

1965 Yankees Depth Chart
C   Elston Howard
1B Joe Pepitone
2B Bobby Richardson
3B  Clete Boyer
SS Tony Kubek
LF Tom Tresh
CF Roger Maris
RF Mickey Mantle
UTILITY:
Johnny Blanchard
Phil Linz
Duke Carmel
Hector Lopez
PITCHERS:
Whitey Ford      Mel Stottlemyre
Al Downing       Pedro Ramos
Rollie Sheldon  Steve Hamilton
Jim Bouton       Pete Mikkelsen
Bill Stafford                   

-Jack Zanger, Major League Baseball 1965


"Winning has become a habit for the players in pinstripes. Yet if Whitey Ford has trouble this year, the Yankees may find themselves spectators at the 1965 World Series. Winner of 216 games for the Yankees over 13 successful seasons ... victor in more World Series games than any other pitcher ... holder of the best won-lost percentage through 1964 (.720) in baseball history. No matter how the Yankee picture is examined, or how many efficiency experts the new owners, CBS, call in, the Yankees' future rides on how well Whitey Ford has recovered from his shoulder surgery of last fall.
Bothered by both a bad hip and a sore shoulder, Whitey still won 17 games and was the big earned run man on the staff of last year's league champs. Can Ford, at the age of 36, continue to be the mainstay of the New York pitching staff? Only time and another pennant race will tell.
Johnny Keane is the fourth manager to build a staff around Whitey. First, there was Casey Stengel, who came to depend on Ford in the mid-'50s when the Allie Reynolds, Vic Raschi, Ed Lopat triumvirate broke up. Then it was Ralph Houk, who put him on an every-fourth-day working regime with outstanding success. Last year it was his ex-battery mate, Yogi Berra, who watched in admiration as his pal lost the first game, then won 10 in a row. Whitey also tied the Yankee record for shutouts in a season with eight.
Mickey Mantle, runner-up for MVP honors for '64, enters this season as the biggest home run hitter among active players. He also enters as a right fielder, in deference to his weak underpinning. Tom Tresh, playing with Mantle and Roger Maris in the outfield, experienced his worst slump since making it as a Yankee regular.
The infield, once rated as the best anywhere, hit with muted bats for the most part. Only Bobby Richardson maintained his pace of the previous year and he wasn't any .300 threat. Collectively, the infield had an unimpressive combined batting average of .244. Joe Pepitone, the first baseman who could wind up in the outfield as he moves along in his highly promising career, dipped from .271 to .251, but he hit 28 homers and drove in 100 runs. Catcher Elston Howard - the only .300 hitter on the club besides Mantle - made a big jump from .287 to .313.
The Yankees didn't have a 20-game winner last year. Jim Bouton was tops with 18, dipping from 21 in 1963. Ford had a 17-6 record, and behind him was Al Downing with 13-8 and Ralph Terry with 7-11. Based on total number of games started, Mel Stottlemyre and Rollie Sheldon weren't in the top four. Each had a dozen starts. Stottlemyre, however, is the hurler with the finest potential in years for the Yankees.
New York has felt the absence of a big bullpen man ever since the departure of little Luis Arroyo, the left-hander who helped win the 1961 flag. Various men have tried to fill the bill since, and the Yankees have even sought to train specialists along these lines. Prominent among these is Pete Mikkelsen, who appeared in 50 games and had a 7-4 record. Others who worked in the bullpen with the bespectacled right-hander were Hal Reniff, Bill Stafford and Steve Hamilton, but Mikkelsen was the only man specifically trained for the task. His progress will be carefully noted around the league. Also available in the bullpen is Pedro Ramos, who came from Cleveland late in the season to prove the big stopper. His career in the past had not been particularly distinguished either in Cleveland or in Washington, where he was the losingest pitcher in the AL for four years running.
The principle change the Yankees made this season is in management, from the plush front office where CBS money and efficiency now reign, to the dugout where Keane replaces Yogi Berra. And this year, as usual, the Yankees are the team to beat. Figures of the past three or four decades prove it, even if '64 lacked sparkle."

-Allen Roth, 1965 Baseball Guidebook

"The best managing job in baseball traditionally is with the New York Yankees. It may still be the best - but new manager Johnny Keane is likely to find it no utopia.
Keane is the crinkly-eyed gentleman who stunned baseball in October by quitting as Cardinal manager after winning the World Series. He did not like the way he had been treated - so he walked out on a healthy raise.
He also walked into the Yankee job soon afterward. Yankee president Dan Topping is sure to treat Keane with more respect than did beer baron Gussie Busch in St. Louis. The Yankees know how fortunate they are to have hired Keane. The Yankees' popularity was quite low last fall after general manager Ralph Houk fired Yogi Berra for a series on undivulged sins. Hiring anybody less respected than Keane could have multiplied the bad feeling for the Yankees.
That feeling has been developing for several years. The firing of Casey Stengel in 1960 was a classic mistake. Houk won three pennants but hardly excited a nation of baseball fans. Berra was nationally popular and his firing was naturally unpopular. The sale of the Yankees to CBS soured more people. Then long-time Yankee announcer Mel Allen was let go and no reasons were given.
And, of course, the Amazing Mets outdrew the Yankees by 427,000 fans last season. The Mets, with Casey, Yogi, Spahn, Shea Stadium and the exciting National League, seem to foil the Yankees at every turn, only by sheer luck. When the Yankees passed out free tickets to cabbies in New York's Columbus Circle last summer, the Met family laughed along with the public.
Keane is responsible for none of this. He can probably change little of it. Yet he is liable to run into tensions and problems that he never anticipated or encountered back in St. Louis. His main problem there was winning a pennant.
Winning the American League pennant is not an automatic function of the Yankees. It only seems that way once in a while. Keane is likely to find it not so easy this year. But, then again, there doesn't seem to be any other team that can take the pennant away from the weaker-than-usual Yankees.
The Yankees are not a well club. They showed considerable weaknesses last year, although they did manage to rally to the pennant in a patented September push.
The pitching is shaky. Whitey Ford, with the highest winning percentage in baseball history (.720), underwent arm surgery last fall. At 36, he must be considered doubtful.
Three young pitchers - Jim Bouton, Al Downing and Mel Stottlemyre - must carry the load if Ford is unable to help. Pedro Ramos may be almost as good in relief as he was last September. But the second-line pitching is hardly even mediocre.
Elston Howard may be the best catcher in baseball; he is also 35. John Blanchard is still second-string and he has ceased exciting people.
Joe Pepitone drove in 100 runs last year but his fielding at first base was sloppy and he hit only .251. He still needs calming down. Bobby Richardson (.267), Tony Kubek (.229) and Clete Boyer (.218) all had sub-par years. Phil Linz (.250) was not always an outstanding replacement, either.
Mickey Mantle revealed in the World Series that he can no longer play the outfield very well. His legs just do not perform well. He can still hit - .303, [35 home runs] with 111 RBI last year - but may be a defensive liability, even switched to right field.
Roger Maris may have to play center field. Tom Tresh hit .246 last year but should do better. Hector Lopez is a fine fourth outfielder, and the Yankees even have a fifth outfielder this year - Duke Carmel. Drafted from Buffalo, the Met farm team, last fall, Carmel might play some center field if Mantle is incapacitated.
Many of the younger stars should be expected to improve this year, particularly if rumors about their dissatisfaction with Berra had any validity. But the men who had the best years - Howard and Mantle - are getting old and the farm system has not been producing.
Keane is a good manager and should be able to pull things together with the Yankees. He may have more trouble with the tarnished Yankee image, which he is not responsible for."

-1965 Official Baseball Almanac


HEALTH KEY TO YANKS' TRY FOR RECORD SIXTH
"A major league team which has had three general managers and four field managers in five years figures to be a second-division outfit which constantly changes men at the top to divert attention from the ineptness of its men in uniform.
Believe it or not, but that is not the record of the Yankees, who have won the American League pennant for the past five seasons.
No team in history has ever won six in a row, and it doesn't seem likely to happen to this Yankee team, which will be managed by Johnny Keane. At least, uncertainty over the physical condition of outfielder Mickey Mantle and pitcher Whitey Ford make such a feat loom improbable.
The Yankees will, of course, be a potent factor in the race, but the White Sox and Orioles loom as even more formidable rivals than last season, and some of the other clubs in the league appear to have improved markedly.
Ford, who won 17 games, lost six and had a 2.13 earned run average despite some physical problems last year, underwent shoulder surgery in November. While he has been pronounced sound again, it is doubtful that, at 36, he can continue to be the overpowering Yankee ace of old. And, if Ford isn't able to take his regular turn, the champions could find their pitching problem becoming acute.
Jim Bouton (18-13, 3.02) is a reliable workhorse and young Mel Stottlemyre (9-3, 2.06) did a tremendous job after being recalled from Richmond in August, but southpaw Al Downing (13-8, 3.47) didn't fare quite as well in his sophomore season, and the other candidates for starting jobs aren't overly impressive.
They include Bill Stafford (5-0, 2.66), who may make a comeback after a winter operation to correct a breathing difficulty; Stan Williams (1-5, 3.84), the disappointing former Los Angeles Dodger; and rookie Richmond graduates Jim Brenneman (11-13, 3.41) and Tom Metcalf (3-7, 4.29).
Pedro Ramos (8-10, 4.59), whose relief pitching after he was obtained from Cleveland in September enabled the Yankees to pull out the pennant last year, will head the bullpen corps. His aides include Steve Hamilton (7-2, 3.30), Pete Mikkelsen (7-4, 3.56) and Hal Reniff (6-4, 3.13).
Just as Ford is the most important member of the pitching staff, Mantle is vital to the Yankee attack. Mickey's legs must hold up for at least 120 games. He played 143 last year, batting .303, hitting .35 home runs and knocking in 111 runs, but his defense was sub-par because of his leg trouble and he was taken out of center field.
Keane hopes Mantle can play center and shift him to right only if forced to do so. In that case, Roger Maris (.281, 26, 71), a fine outfielder, will move from right to center. Tom Tresh (.246, 16, 73), who has slipped as a hitter in both seasons since his fine rookie year in 1962, will be in left.
A draftee from Buffalo, Duke Carmel (.271, 35, 99), who can also play first, handyman Hector Lopez (.260, 10, 34) and possibly rookie Elvio Jimenez (.296, 8, 88 at Richmond) will be the spares.
The Yankees have no worries about their catching as long as durable Elston Howard (.313, 15, 84) stays healthy, and John Blanchard (.255, 7, 28) is a capable reserve.
Defensively, the Yankee infield is one of the best, but it doesn't pack too much punch outside of first baseman Joe Pepitone (.251, 28, 100). Bobby Richardson (.267, 4, 50) has been the most consistent hitter of the quartet and is a fine second baseman.
Injuries limited shortstop Tony Kubek (.229, 8, 31) to 105 games last sesaon and kept him out of the World Series. Phil Linz (.250, 5, 25), a better offensive than defensive player, is the No. 2 shortstop, with or without his harmonica.
Despite his worst average in 1964, Clete Boyer (.218, 8, 52) will hold forth again at third where he is the finest glove man this side of Brooks Robinson. Pedro Gonzalez (.277) who saw service in 80 games with the Yanks last year, will be back, and rookie Horace Clarke (.299, 5, 44 at Richmond) may also hang on as an infield sub."

-Allen Lewis, Philadelphia Inquirer (Baseball Digest, April 1965)

QUICK RUNDOWN ON THE YANKEES
Strengths: outstanding defensive infield.
Greatest Need: another strong starting pitcher.
Outlook: overhauling needed after five in a row.

-Allen Lewis, Philadelphia Inquirer (Baseball Digest, April 1965)


1965 Yankees Spring Training Depth Chart
C   Elston Howard
1B Joe Pepitone
2B Bobby Richardson
3B  Clete Boyer
SS Tony Kubek
LF Tom Tresh
CF Mickey Mantle
RF Roger Maris
UTILITY:
C   Jake Gibbs
1B Pedro Gonzalez (2B)
SS Phil Linz (3B)
CF Roger Repoz
PH Johnny Blanchard (C)
PH Hector Lopez (OF)
PITCHERS:
Whitey Ford
Jim Bouton
Al Downing
Mel Stottlemyre
Bill Stafford 
Rollie Sheldon
Stan Williams
RELIEF PITCHERS:
Pedro Ramos
Steve Hamilton
Hal Reniff
Pete Mikkelsen

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

1965 New York Yankees Spring Training Roster

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Manager - Johnny Keane  21

No. Coaches
35  Vern Benson
  2  Frankie Crosetti
31  Cot Deal
44  Jim Hegan

No. Pitchers
28  Gil Blanco (L-L)
56  Jim Bouton (R-R)
23  Jim Brenneman (R-R)
24  Al Downing (R-L)
50  Gil Downs (R-R)
58  Tom Dukes (R-R)
16  Whitey Ford (L-L)
39  Steve Hamilton (L-L)
29  Tom Metcalf (R-R)
51  Pete Mikkelsen (R-R)
14  Pedro Ramos (R-R)
18  Hal Reniff (R-R)
45  Rollie Sheldon (R-R)
22  Bill Stafford (R-R)
30  Mel Stottlemyre (R-R)
19  Stan Williams (R-R)

No. Catchers
38  Johnny Blanchard (L-R)
41  Jake Gibbs (L-R)
32  Elston Howard (R-R)
40  Billy Madden (L-R)
49  Ellie Rodriguez (R-R)

No. Infielders
  6  Clete Boyer (R-R)
27  Duke Carmel (L-L)
20  Horace Clarke (S-R)
42  Pedro Gonzalez (R-R)
34  Mike Hegan (L-L)
10  Tony Kubek (L-R)
12  Phil Linz (R-R)
52  Bobby Murcer (L-R)
25  Joe Pepitone (L-L)
  1  Bobby Richardson (R-R)
46  Chet Trail (R-R)

No. Outfielders
48  Elvio Jimenez (R-R)
11  Hector Lopez (R-R)
  7  Mickey Mantle (S-R)
  9  Roger Maris (L-R)
26  Archie Moore (L-L)
53  Ross Moschitto (R-R)
43  Roger Repoz (L-L)
15  Tom Tresh (S-R)

Trainers - Joe Soares, Don Seger

Batting Practice Pitcher - Spud Murray  55

Sunday, February 23, 2014

1964 New York Yankees World Series Roster

Manager - Yogi Berra  8

No. Coaches
  2  Frankie Crosetti
16  Whitey Ford
31  Jim Gleeson
44  Jim Hegan

No. Pitchers
56  Jim Bouton (R-R)
28  Bud Daley (L-L)  *
24  Al Downing (R-L)
16  Whitey Ford (L-L)
39  Steve Hamilton (L-L)
51  Pete Mikkelsen (R-R)
18  Hal Reniff (R-R)
45  Rollie Sheldon (R-R)
22  Bill Stafford (R-R)
30  Mel Stottlemyre (R-R)
23  Ralph Terry (R-R)
19  Stan Williams (R-R)

No. Catchers
38  Johnny Blanchard (L-R)
41  Jake Gibbs (L-R)  *
32  Elston Howard (R-R)

No. Infielders
  6  Clete Boyer (R-R)
42  Pedro Gonzalez (R-R)
12  Mike Hegan (L-L)
10  Tony Kubek (L-R)  *
34  Phil Linz (R-R)
25  Joe Pepitone (L-L)
  1  Bobby Richardson (R-R)
46  Chet Trail (R-R)

No. Outfielders
11  Hector Lopez (R-R)
  7  Mickey Mantle (S-R)
  9  Roger Maris (L-R)
26  Archie Moore (L-L)
15  Tom Tresh (S-R)

Trainers - Joe Soares, Don Seger

Batting Practice Pitcher - Spud Murray  55

*not on active roster

1964 New York Yankees September Roster

Manager - Yogi Berra 8

No. Coaches
2 Frankie Crosetti
16 Whitey Ford
31 Jim Gleeson
44 Jim Hegan

No. Pitchers
56 Jim Bouton (R-R)
28 Bud Daley (L-L) *
24 Al Downing (R-L)
16 Whitey Ford (L-L)
39 Steve Hamilton (L-L)
51 Pete Mikkelsen (R-R)
14 Pedro Ramos (R-R)
18 Hal Reniff (R-R)
45 Rollie Sheldon (R-R)
22 Bill Stafford (R-R)
30 Mel Stottlemyre (R-R)
23 Ralph Terry (R-R)
19 Stan Williams (R-R)

No. Catchers
38 Johnny Blanchard (L-R)
41 Jake Gibbs (L-R)
32 Elston Howard (R-R)

No. Infielders
6 Clete Boyer (R-R)
42 Pedro Gonzalez (R-R)
12 Mike Hegan (L-L)
10 Tony Kubek (L-R)
34 Phil Linz (R-R)
25 Joe Pepitone (L-L)
1 Bobby Richardson (R-R)

No. Outfielders
48 Elvio Jimenez (R-R)
11 Hector Lopez (R-R)
7 Mickey Mantle (S-R)
9 Roger Maris (L-R)
26 Archie Moore (L-L)
43 Roger Repoz (L-L)
15 Tom Tresh (S-R)

Trainers - Joe Soares, Don Seger

Batting Practice Pitcher - Spud Murray 55

*not on active roster


1964 YANKEES TEAM PHOTO
Yogi Berra (manager)
John Blanchard
Jim Bouton
Clete Boyer
Greg Cahoon (batboy)
Frankie Crosetti (coach)
Al Downing
Tony Florio (batboy)
Whitey Ford 
Jim Gleeson
Pedro Gonzalez
Steve Hamilton
Jim Hegan (coach)
Elston Howard
Tony Kubek
Phil Linz
Hector Lopez
Mickey Mantle
Roger Maris
Pete Mikkelsen
Archie Moore
Spud Murray (batting practice pitcher)
Joe Pepitone
Hal Reniff
Bobby Richardson
Don Seger (trainer)
Rollie Sheldon
Joe Soares (trainer)
Bill Stafford
Mel Stottlemyre
Ralph Terry
Tom Tresh
Stan Williams

1964 New York Yankees Mid-May Roster

Manager - Yogi Berra 8

No. Coaches
  2  Frankie Crosetti
16  Whitey Ford
31  Jim Gleeson
44  Jim Hegan

No. Pitchers
56  Jim Bouton (R-R)
28  Bud Daley (L-L)
24  Al Downing (R-L)
16  Whitey Ford (L-L)
39  Steve Hamilton (L-L)
49  Bob Meyer (L-L)
51  Pete Mikkelsen (R-R)
18  Hal Reniff (R-R)
22  Bill Stafford (R-R)
23  Ralph Terry (R-R)
19  Stan Williams (R-R)

No. Catchers
38  Johnny Blanchard (L-R)
32  Elston Howard (R-R)

No. Infielders
  6  Clete Boyer (R-R)
42  Pedro Gonzalez (R-R)
10  Tony Kubek (L-R)
34  Phil Linz (R-R)
25  Joe Pepitone (L-L)
  1  Bobby Richardson (R-R)

No. Outfielders
11  Hector Lopez (R-R)
  7  Mickey Mantle (S-R)
  9  Roger Maris (L-R)
26  Archie Moore (L-L)
15  Tom Tresh (S-R)

Trainers - Joe Soares, Don Seger

Batting Practice Pitcher - Spud Murray  55

Saturday, February 22, 2014

1964 New York Yankees Program and Scorecard Notes

BIG YEAR LOOMS AS BERRA PILOTS YANKEE TITLE DEFENSE
"A great new season of the best in baseball at fabled Yankee Stadium is under way ... but the pattern has changed a bit. Lawrence 'Yogi' Berra, long-time standout catcher and multiple record holder, is no longer a performer on the field. Now Yogi is the manager of the defending champion Yankees.
It's an almost unbelievable success story ... Yogi's rise from the 'Hill' in St. Louis, through his years in the Navy and baseball apprenticeship in the minors to that day when a squat, awkward kid broke in with the Yankees in 1946. Now he's the manager of the most successful sports organization in the nation's history ... a team that has won a record 28 American League pennants and 20 World Championships. And, on the way to the pinnacle, Berra became a legend in his own time. Three times A.L. Most Valuable Player, Yogi hit more home runs than any catcher in baseball history (313, plus 45 as an outfielder), was the first player ever to hit a pinch home run in World Series play, has played more games as a Yankee than any player other than Lou Gehrig and has played more games, has more hits and more RBIs than any player in World Series history, among many other records.
And so as you open this new and enlarged scorebook, the Yankees - from Yogi Berra and the men on the field to the front office organization - welcome you to the most famous stadium in sports - historic Yankee Stadium, the traditional Home of Champions."

-1964 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program


MANTLE AND MARIS STADIUM HOMERS
"Mickey Mantle had hit 210 homers at home and 209 on the road as the current season started. And Roger Maris, in his record-breaking 1961 season, hit 30 at Yankee Stadium and 31 on the road."

-1964 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program

MANTLE HOMER ALMOST LEAVES STADIUM
"For the second time in his illustrious career, Mickey Mantle almost became the first player to hit a fair ball out of Yankee Stadium. In the flight of the Mick's mighty space shot on May 22, 1963, the ball hit on the top facade, a matter of a scant few feet from going over. The game-winning homer off the Athletics' Bill Fischer was still rising when it hit just below the top of the 108-foot facade, over the right field third deck. Mathematical estimates indicated that the ball might have traveled 620 feet had it not been obstructed.
On May 30, 1956 off Pedro Ramos, Mantle came equally close to 'hitting one out,' but that was not hit as hard."

-1964 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program

YANKEES IN COLLEGE
"13 players on the Yankees' 41-man winter roster are completing their college educations during the off-season. More and more players are realizing the need for advanced education to supplement their active playing careers. The players and their respective colleges are as follows : Jack Cullen (Farleigh Dickinson University), Al Downing (Rider College), Tom Dukes (University of Tennessee), Mike Hegan (Calvin Coolidge College), Howard Kitt (Hofstra College), Tom Metcalf (Stevens Point, Wisconsin, Teachers College), Bob Meyer (University of Toledo), Archie Moore (Springfield College, Massachusetts), Roger Repoz (Washington State College), Rollie Sheldon (University of Connecticut), George Shoemaker (Eastern Mississippi Junior College), Chet Trail (Bowling Green University) and Tom Tresh (Central Michigan University)."

-1964 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program

CURRENT YANKEES FROM 1958 WORLD CHAMPS
"Even while winning pennants, the Yankees have not stood still. Only a few short years ago the Yankees won a sensational come-from-behind World Series triumph from the Milwaukee Braves. Down three games to one, the Bombers swept the last trio of contests, including two in Milwaukee.
That was 1958. Today, only five players from that exciting team are still on the playing roster: Mickey Mantle, Whitey Ford, Tony Kubek, Elston Howard and Bobby Richardson."

-1964 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program


"BIG SIX" YANKEE HURLERS
"To six Yankees, in all probability, will go the responsibility of starting most of the games this summer. It is expected that the first four- Whitey Ford (pitching coach and dean of the staff), Ralph Terry (the 23-game winner and World Series star of 1962), young Jim Bouton (in his second year as a starter) and Al Downing (who gained a starting berth last June)- will become the 'regular starting rotation.'
Completing the 'big six' are Bill Stafford and Stan Williams. Stafford gave indications this spring of returning to the form that made him such an exceptional prospect while winning 14 games in both 1961 and 1962. He and Williams probably will be used early in the season as long relief men, as well as spot starters."

-1964 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program

YANKEE INFIELDERS
"The Yankees long have been recognized as the 'Bronx Bombers,' but knowing baseball people will always point out that the Yanks have had just about the best defensive club to go with the 'big bomb' and outstanding pitching; of course, the defense helps make the pitching good.
Two prime reasons why the Yankees have had outstanding infield play for the past seven seasons are shortstop Tony Kubek and his keystone partner Bobby Richardson. Tony and Bobby have teamed up since rookie days at Denver in 1956. They've been road roommates since then and close friends.
These two, along with sure-fielding Clete Boyer at third and Joe Pepitone at first, were major factors in the Yankees chalking up their best fielding record in 1963 ... a .982 mark."

-1964 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program

REUNION AT FT. LAUDERDALE
"Old teammates Joe DiMaggio, Lefty Gomez and Frank Crosetti enjoy reminiscing at spring training and will get together again this summer at Yankee Stadium for Old Timers' Day. DiMag served at Ft. Lauderdale as a special instructor for the fourth consecutive spring. Gomez is a successful sporting goods salesman and Cro is the long-time Yankee third base coach."

-1964 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program


YANKEES NOVEL "SUBURBAN NIGHT" GAMES SCHEDULED ON SIX THURSDAYS AT 6:00 P.M.
"With a goal of improving family baseball entertainment, the New York Yankees will introduce 'Suburban Night' baseball at Yankee Stadium on Thursday, June 18. The 6:00 P.M. game with the colorful Boston Red Sox will be the first of six 'Suburban Nights' at the Stadium this summer. All six scheduled Thursday night games this season will be at 6:00 P.M.
With the introduction of 'Suburban Night' games, the Yankees have made the national pastime a recreational project in which the entire family can now participate ... as a family. The 6:00 P.M. game time was set as a convenience for Dad who will be through with work for the day and can meet the family at the Stadium, and as an accommodation to families living outside the Metropolitan area who can drive in to Yankee Stadium, have supper, see a Yankee ball game and be back home at an early hour.
And, speaking of supper, all members of the family are sure to enjoy the reasonably priced box suppers which the Yanks' new concessionaire, Nationwide Concessions Service (a division of the automatic canteen company of America), is providing. These box suppers will be available through the Stadium concessionaire and at the picnic area which is being developed under the third base stands and extending into the area under the stands toward left field.
The picnic grounds will be well lighted and equipped with tables and benches in the best picnic tradition. Hot coffee and cold beverages will be available. The area will be attractively decorated with rare photographs of great Yankee stars of the past as well as historic team pictures that are sure to intrigue the youngsters who have read about the men who wrote baseball history, and strike a nostalgic note with their Moms and Dads who may have seen them perform.
The average Yankee game last year took about two hours and 23 minutes. If this average were to continue, most 'Suburban Night' games would be over before 8:30 and everyone would be home at a reasonable hour and would be able to drive when traffic was at a minimum. And families would be able to enjoy a great Yankee game and a picnic at one and the same time.
These novel 'Suburban Nights' are also expected to prove ideal for organizations wanting to attend a game together. Special arrangements can be made through the Yankee Ticket Department."

-1964 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program

1964 Suburban Nights
June 18 ... Boston
July 2 ... Kansas City
July 16 ... Baltimore
July 23 ... Washington
August 13 ... Chicago
September 17 ... Los Angeles

1964 Ladies' Days
Saturday, April 25 ... Baltimore
Saturday, May 2 ... Washington
Saturday, May 16 ... Kansas City
Saturday, May 23 ... Los Angeles
Saturday, June 13 ... Chicago
Wednesday, June 17 ... Boston
Saturday, June 27 ... Detroit
Saturday, July 18 ... Cleveland
Saturday, September 12 ... Minnesota

GALA OLD TIMERS' DAY - SATURDAY, AUGUST 8
"There is always something 'new' about a Yankee Old Timers' Day. Despite the fact that the Yankees pioneered this great midsummer attraction in 1939 with Lou Gehrig Day, and have been holding them annually each summer since World War II, there is always something original and novel about these nostalgic events.
This year's Old Timers' classic will be played at Yankee Stadium on Saturday, August 8, with festivities getting under way at 1:15 P.M. The pennant-contending Baltimore Orioles will furnish the American League opposition that day."

-1964 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program

YANKEE TICKET INFORMATION
Box Seats ... $3.50
Reserved Seats ... $2.50
*Unreserved Grandstand Seats ... $1.50
*Bleacher Seats ... .75
(including all city and federal taxes)
*sold only at Stadium on day or night of game

"MID-TOWN TICKET OFFICE: At Grand Central Station, located on the North Mezzanine (Vanderbilt Ave. level) overlooking the main information booth. Open Monday through Friday from 8:30 A.M. to 6:00 P.M., Saturdays from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., closed Sundays.
CONVENIENT RESERVATIONS OFFICES: As an added convenience for Yankee fans, box and reserved seat reservations may be purchased at any of the Schraffts Restaurants in Greater New York, Newark and Westchester."

-1964 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program


YANKEE STADIUM GROUND RULES
-Foul poles are outside the playing field.
-A thrown or fairly batted ball that goes behind or under the canvas and remains: Two Bases
-A ball rebounding onto the playing field: In Play
-A ball sticking in or going through the wire screen in front of the bleachers: Two Bases
-Bat racks are on the players' bench.
-Scoreboards in right and left field are on the playing field.
-A ball striking the scoreboards and rebounding on to the playing field: In Play
-A ball striking the scoreboards and bounding into the bleachers, bullpens or stands: Two Bases

-1964 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program

YANKEE STADIUM REGULATIONS
1. Gambling or wagering of any sort at Yankee Stadium is strictly prohibited.
2. Any spectator who goes onto the playing field during a ball game is violating an American League rule and will be ejected from the Stadium.
3. The management requests that spectators refrain from throwing missiles on the field.
4. Patrons in front row boxes are asked not to drape clothing over the box railing.

-1964 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program

AMERICAN LEAGUE UMPIRES
Cal Hubbard - Supervisor of Umpires
1  Paparella
2  McKinley
3  Hurley
4  Stevens
5  Honochick
6  Soar
7  Napp
8  Flaherty
9  Chylak
10 Runge
11 Umont
12 Rice
13 Stewart
14 Smith
15 Drummond
16 Haller
17 Salerno
18 Carrigan
19 DiMuro
21 Valentine


YANKEES ON THE RADIO
"Once again this year, radio station WCBS will keep fans abreast of weather and playing conditions at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees always officially notify WCBS, the basic station of the Columbia Broadcasting System and pilot station of the Yankees' own 'Home of Champions' network, in the event of rainouts, etc.
Just keep tuned to WCBS-AM at 880 on the dial or WCBS-FM at 101.1 Mc. on the FM dial. Bulletins will be given regularly each day in the 12 noon newscast before day games and on the 6:15 P.M. sports show prior to Yankee home night games."

-1964 New York Yankees Scorecard and Official Program

ADVERTISEMENTS
-American Kosher Frankfurters: Pure Beef and Govt. Inspected too!
-Antonio y Cleopatra: The Mildest Top Quality Cigar
-Aster Nuts: Buy some soon ... all hits - no errors!
-Baseball'n Ballantine: What a Happy Combination
-Bankers Trust: Whatever Your Banking Needs May Be ... You'll Find a Welcome at Bankers Trust
-Beech-Nut Gum: It's Flavor-ific
-Belair
-Big Yank: Big Yanks Wear Big Yank
-Canada Dry Ginger Ale: Good sports go for the 'special sparkle' of Canada Dry Ginger Ale ... you'll go for its fast-paced lively taste during the game and afterwards!
-Charms: Extra Flavor Candy Squares
-Chemical New York: Loans applied for in the first inning get approved by the second.
-Chesterfield King
-Chevron: Be on the lookout: you can't miss the big, bright Chevron sign. In fact, there's probably on right in your own neighborhood.
-Chunky/Bit-O-Honey: Visit our candy factory at Chunky Square, N.Y. World's Fair.
-Coca-Cola
-Coke: Things go better with Coke. Refresh ... Have a Coke.
-Coming Attraction: CLEVELAND INDIANS (with Leon Wagner, Bob Chance and Fred Whitfield)
-Coming Attraction: WASHINGTON SENATORS (with [former Yankee] Bill Skowron, Jim King and John Kennedy)
-Continental National American Group: America's 'One-Stop' Market For All Forms Of Insurance
-Cutty Sark Scotch Whisky: Scotland's best distilleries produce Cutty Sark Scotch Whisky, America's No. 1 selling Scotch Whisky!
-Dutch Masters
-Duvernoy Bakeries: Serving New York's better hotels and restaurants with the finest of bakery products.
-El Producto
-Elsie Ice Cream Specialties: Elsie says: Try My Ice Cream. A wonderful refreshment during the game- you'll enjoy it. P.S. See you at the N.Y. World's Fair- Elsie
-Garcia y Vega: Connoisseur's Choice
-GGG Clothes: GGG is MVP
-Gulden's Mustard: The Mustard With Just The Right Zip
-Hygrade's Stadium Franks: ENJOY'EM HERE ... ENJOY'EM AT HOME! The frank served at Yankee Stadium! Available at your favorite supermarket, too! 100% Meat! Great for grilling!
-John Doris, Inc. Electrical Contractors: Serving The Stadium And Industry With Electrical Installation And Maintenance
-Kent: Kent Satisfies Best
-Knickerbocker: Filtered Just Once For More Been Taste
-Kool
-Kraft Vanilla Caramels: Candy Champion!
-L & M
-Lark
-Longchamps Restaurants: After 9 Innings, Visit One of the 9 Longchamps Restaurants, Refresh Yourself and Enjoy White Rock
-Marlboro: Come to wear the flavor is- MARLBORO COUNTRY
-Mars: Best Candy On Earth Comes From Mars
-Martinson: Your search for great coffee has ended!
-Monsanto
-Muriel
-Nabisco
-Nestle's: Nestle's makes the very best chocolate bars!
-Old London: Dipsy Doodles, Cheez Doodles: Energy Snack in Every Pack!
-Old Spice: Men Recommend It to Other Men
-Phillies Cigars: Enjoy the Good Taste
-Planters: Whoever Heard of a Ballgame Without Planters
-Raleigh
-Rheingold
-Rise: Shave fast, shave close, without irritation!
-Roi-Tan: America's Largest Selling 10c Cigar
-RPM Motor Oil
-Sabrett: World's Largest Exclusive Hamburger-Frankfurter Roll-Makers
-Seagram's 7: Say Seagram's and Be Sure
-Schenley: Brings Life To Your Party!
-Sinclair: Drive with Care and Buy Sinclair: See Sinclair Dinoland at New York World's Fair
-Sun Dew: Game Time, Any Time Enjoy Vitamin C Enriched SUN Sational DEW Licious Sun Dew Fruit Drinks
-Sweet-Orr: An All-Star Selection For 90 Years
-Top Brass: Dandruff is out!
-Treat Potato Chips: Treat yourself to Treat potato chips ... too good to share.
-Viceroy
-VO: No whiskey so light in body was ever so brilliant in flavor.
-White Owl New Yorker: Have you met the New Yorker from White Owl? THE BIG CIGAR FOR THE BIG MOMENTS
-White Owl Ranger: The Ranger has arrived in N.Y.
-White Rock: After 9 Innings, Visit One of the 9 Longchamps Restaurants, Refresh Yourself and Enjoy White Rock
-Winston: Winston tastes good like a cigarette should!

1964 New York Yankees Opening Day Roster

April 16, Yankee Stadium, New York, New York

Manager - Yogi Berra 8

No. Coaches
  2  Frankie Crosetti
16  Whitey Ford
31  Jim Gleeson
44  Jim Hegan

No. Pitchers
56  Jim Bouton (R-R)
28  Bud Daley (L-L)
24  Al Downing (R-L)
16  Whitey Ford (L-L)
39  Steve Hamilton (L-L)
49  Bob Meyer (L-L)
51  Pete Mikkelsen (R-R)
18  Hal Reniff (R-R)
22  Bill Stafford (R-R)
23  Ralph Terry (R-R)
19  Stan Williams (R-R)

No. Catchers
38  Johnny Blanchard (L-R)
32  Elston Howard (R-R)

No. Infielders
  6  Clete Boyer (R-R)
14  Harry Bright (R-R)
42  Pedro Gonzalez (R-R)
10  Tony Kubek (L-R)
34  Phil Linz (R-R)
25  Joe Pepitone (L-L)
  1  Bobby Richardson (R-R)

No. Outfielders
11  Hector Lopez (R-R)
  7  Mickey Mantle (S-R)
  9  Roger Maris (L-R)
26  Archie Moore (L-L)
15  Tom Tresh (S-R)

Trainers - Joe Soares, Don Seger

Batting Practice Pitcher - Spud Murray  55


1964 Yankees Yearbook Roster, Taxi Squad and Prospects
ROSTER
Manager - Yogi Berra 8
First Base Coach - Jim Gleeson 31
Third Base Coach - Frankie Crosetti 2
Pitching Coach - Whitey Ford 16
Bullpen Coach - Jim Hegan 44
Batting Practice Pitcher - Spud Murray 55
Spring Training Instructor - Joe DiMaggio 5

Catcher - Elston Howard 32, Jake Gibbs 41
First Base - Joe Pepitone 25 (CF), Pedro Gonzalez 42 (2B)
Second Base - Bobby Richardson 1
Third Base - Clete Boyer 6
Shortstop - Tony Kubek 10, Phil Linz 34 (3B)
Left Field - Tom Tresh 15 (CF), Hector Lopez 11 (RF)
Center Field - Mickey Mantle 7
Right Field - Roger Maris 9
Pinch Hitter - Johnny Blanchard 38 (C-OF)

Starting Pitchers:
Whitey Ford 16
Jim Bouton 56
Al Downing 24
Rollie Sheldon 45
Stan Williams 19
Ralph Terry 23

Relief Pitchers:
Pedro Ramos 14
Hal Reniff 18
Bill Stafford 22
Steve Hamilton 39
Pete Mikkelsen 51
Bud Daley 28


TAXI SQUAD
First Base - Harry Bright 36* (3B)


PROSPECTS
Catcher - William Madden
First Base - Mike Hegan
Shortstop - Chet Trail
Outfield - Elvio Jimenez, Roger Repoz, Archie Moore

Starting Pitchers:
Jack Cullen
Bob Meyer
Tom Dukes
Howard Kitt
Gil Downs
Fred Chambers
William Marcy

Relief Pitchers:
Tom Metcalf
George Shoemaker
Jimmy Marrujo

*unofficial uniform number

Friday, February 21, 2014

1964 New York Yankees Player Development

FARM CLUBS
Farm Director - Johnny Johnson

AAA
Richmond, Virginia
International League
Manager - Preston Gomez
Training Camp - Hollywood, Florida

AA
Columbus, Georgia
Southern League
Manager - Al 'Rube' Walker
Training Camp - Hollywood, Florida

A
Greensboro, North Carolina
Carolina League
Manager - Loren Babe
Training Camp - Hollywood, Florida

A
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Florida State League
Manager - Frank Verdi
Training Camp - Hollywood, Florida

A
Shelby, North Carolina
Western Carolina League
Manager - Gary Blaylock
Training Camp - Hollywood, Florida

Rookie League
Sarasota, Florida

Rookie League
Johnson City, Tennessee


SCOUTING
Director of Scouting - Jack White
Luis Arroyo (Ponce, Puerto Rico)
Dolph Camilli (San Bruno, California)
Art Dede (Brooklyn, New York)
Atley Donald (Inverness, Florida)
Danny Doyle (Stillwater, Oklahoma)
Gil English (Trinity, North Carolina)
Joe Frisa (Buffalo, New York)
Tom Greenwade (Willard, Missouri)
Randy Gumpert (Berks County, Pennsylvania)
Harry Hesse (Bronx, New York)
Willis Hudlin (Little Rock, Arkansas)
Gordon Jones (Pasadena, California)
Tom Kane (Albany, New York)
Lou Maguolo (St. Louis, Missouri)
Buster Mills (Ranger, Texas)
Johnny Neun (Baltimore, Maryland)
Frank O'Rourke (Elizabeth, New Jersey)
Pat Patterson (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Bill Skiff (Bronx, New York) (Director of Scouting, Northeastern United States and Eastern Canada)
Mayo Smith (Lake Worth, Florida)
Steve Souchock (Ft. Lauderdale, Florida)
Eddie Taylor (Seattle, Washington)
Jack Warner (Los Angeles, California)


SPRING TRAINING INSTRUCTORS
Yogi Berra (Manager)
Cloyd Boyer
Frankie Crosetti (Coach)
Joe DiMaggio
Whitey Ford (Coach)
Jimmy Gleeson (Coach)
Jim Hegan (Coach)
Wally Moses
Johnny Neun (Coordinator)
Steve Souchock


1964 YANKEES YEARBOOK "DEVELOPING FUTURE STARS"
Mike Hegan (1B)
Elvio Jimenez (OF)
Roger Repoz (OF)


"No department of the New York Yankee organization is more important than the minor league operation. For the Yankees themselves depend on the continued development of player talent to keep the parent club strong. And rookies do make the Yankees. Two years ago, four present Yanks all made the club as rookies - Tom Tresh, Jim Bouton, Joe Pepitone and Phil Linz - and this on a defending championship club. As a matter of fact, only five Yankees remain on the present squad from the 1958 World Championship club that won the come-from-behind victory over Milwaukee - Mickey Mantle, Whitey Ford, Elston Howard, Bobby Richardson and Tony Kubek.
Eighteen of the present Yankees were developed in the club's minor league system and two others were acquired by trade and trained in the Yankee minor league organization.
Quantity has never been important to the Yankees, but quality is! The Yankees seek only young players who have a chance to make historic Yankee Stadium. A highly developed and respected Yankee development program brings young prospects to the Stadium in the shortest possible time. This system has been responsible for the Yankees' unmatched record of 28 American League pennants and 20 World Championships.
Great opportunities are available to ambitious young ball players today who aspire to play their major league baseball at the Home of Champions - Yankee Stadium. As Joe DiMaggio so aptly put it, 'It's great to be a Yankee.' "

-The New York Yankees Official 1964 Yearbook

Other 1964 Yankee Profiles

STAN WILLIAMS
"Early season shoulder miseries have prevented Stan Williams from making a big contribution to the Yankee cause in his year-plus with the Bombers. But the 6'4" right-hander picked up the pitching staff in the last half of 1963 when doubleheaders piled up. He pitched consistently good ball which included an 11-strikeout one-hitter over Washington.
After averaging better than 14 victories a year in his last three seasons with the Dodgers, big Stan fell off to nine wins for the Yanks, but many of them were important ones as the Yankees moved to the pennant. Though Stan has not started a World Series game, the Californian is unscored on in five innings, with a yield of only one hit, seven strikeouts and a lone walk.
Control has been a Williams problem during much of his career. But during his hot streak in August, Stan shortened his sweeping windup and cut down on his walks.
At 27, Stan hopes to win some important starts this season as he helps the Yankees defend their American League championship."

-The New York Yankees Official 1964 Yearbook

"Last season was huge Stan Williams' first with the Bombers. And, while the fireballing right-hander didn't exactly set the league on its collective ear, he showed he knows what it's all about.
Finishing with a 9-8 mark and 3.21 earned run average for 29 games, Williams was, on occasion, as brilliant as anyone could be on a given day.
Control has always been part of Stan's trouble. Though it bothered him at times during the '63 campaign, he showed vast improvement, which augurs well for the future.
Williams, who was born in Enfield, New Hampshire 27 years ago and now resides in Lakewood, California, was acquired by the New Yorkers on November 26, 1962 in a trade for first sacker Bill Skowron.
Nurtured in the Dodger farm system, Stan has been in professional baseball since 1954. He came to the majors with LA during the 1958 season, being called up from St. Paul. Stan had previously performed with Shawnee, Newport News and Fort Worth.
After 9-7 and 5-5 marks with the Dodgers in '58 and '59 respectively, Stan established himself in '60 with 14-10, following up with 15-12 in '61 and 14-12 in '62 before being dealt to the Stadium nine.
Williams appeared in one World Series and one All-Star Game while a member of the Dodgers, and relieved in a Series contest last fall against his old mates."

-1964 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook

Acquired from Los Angeles in exchange for first baseman Bill Skowron, November 1962.
Hurled 1-hitter at Washington, winning 1-0 (August 6, second game), 1963.

-1964 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


BILL STAFFORD
"Forgotten among the many potential Yankee starters is Bill Stafford, the brisk curve baller who couldn't get the ball to hit the edges in his 1963 outings. Excess weight and a brooding attitude didn't help him overcome early lapses, but a vigorous physical conditioning and dieting program over the past winter melted off 30 pounds.
Brilliant in 1961 [his first full season], he put together 14-game winning seasons in '61 and '62 before his 4-8 of last year. In four years in New York, he has a 35-27 record, many of his triumphs occurring because of a curve that fooled so many batters and an attitude that 'I'm the best.' Bill is convinced he's a winning hurler but realizes he needs to be in top physical shape."

-Don Schiffer, Major League Baseball Handbook 1964

"If there's candy or potatoes at your house, don't offer them to Bill Stafford. Cutting three inches from his waist and some 29 pounds from his big frame was Bill's aim in life last winter. And he accomplished the goal.
After two fine 14-win seasons back-to-back and a lifetime earned run average of just 3.06, Stafford appeared to be on his way to a great career last spring. Then everything went wrong. While Bill would just as soon forget 1963, briefly, he hurt his arm on a cold day in Kansas City the second day of last season (he was pitching shutout ball, too). When his arm came around, he came down with an allergic rash that sidelined him for a fortnight.
By the time he was ready, Jim Bouton and Al Downing had moved up front as starters and Bill was in the bullpen. He wound up the season with an undistinguished 4-8 record and a 6.00 ERA with a pennant winner.
Determined to put that year out of his memory, Bill worked out daily at the CYO gym in Yonkers, got himself in A-1 condition and reported this spring to the Yanks' Rookie Camp at Hollywood, Florida. His first several mound appearances were outstanding, then he slipped back. As the season opened, Bill had some shoulder miseries but was working them out, and hoped to be the long man in the bullpen. Success in long relief work could mean Bill Stafford would be back as a starting pitcher."

-The New York Yankees Official 1964 Yearbook

"It is extremely rare that a player takes a salary cut after his club has won its fourth straight pennant. But that's what happened to Bill Stafford.
After twin 14-9 seasons in 1961 and '62, his first two full seasons in the American League, the big right-hander couldn't get started at all last season. He finished with a 4-8 record and a swollen 6.00 earned run average.
Stafford's troubles began when he injured his arm hurling on a cold, drizzly day at Kansas City in the second game of the campaign. After being sidelined for over a month, Bill's control had seemingly vanished. No matter what he tried or was instructed to do, it did not help.
Even after being relegated to the bullpen, Stafford was unable to get untracked. During his long periods of idleness, Bill put on some weight, which did not aid matters at all.
Upon signing his reduced contract this past January, Stafford immediately headed south to get a jump in his conditioning program. Bill knows that this is his make-or-break season with the Bombers. He commented, 'I have taken off 27 pounds after going on a rigid diet. I'm in the best physical condition I have been in the past couple of years.'
The 25-year-old right-hander from Athens, New York joined the Yankee organization in June 1957, being called up during the Bombers' pennant drive in 1960 after stops at St. Petersburg, Binghamton and Richmond.
The slimmed-down Stafford has appeared in three World Series with the Bombers, and has great hopes of making it a fourth come fall."

-1964 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook

Signed by Yankee organization, June 28, 1957.
Second lowest ERA (2.68) in American League his first full year in major leagues, 1961.

-1964 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


HAL RENIFF
"Hal Reniff is that novel breed of pitcher who was trained by the Yankees for relief assignments. In 1961 at Richmond at the tender pitching age of 23, Hal became a bullpen artist. He has worked more than 100 consecutive games as a relief man since he last started in the minors.
Though arm trouble limited his activity right after he got out of the Army in 1962, Hal came back last summer to pitch in 48 games, the most on the Yankee staff, and 'saved' 18 games. Basically a short relief man, Hal worked only a total of 89 innings in 1963 ... and, if the staff is as efficient as it was a year ago, it may not be necessary for him to work more this year.
Reniff, who is still single, had a 2.63 ERA last season, third lowest on the staff. He pitched in 13 games last June, the month the Yanks moved into first place where they remained for the rest of the campaign.
The bulky right-hander has a live fastball, a good slider, and every ball 'moves.' Basically, Hal has had good control, particularly with men on bases. Sometimes he appears a bit wild, especially when he starts an inning.
The 25-year-old Reniff is the 'dean' of the Yankee relief staff in point of service and his position indicates the Yankee policy of developing its own youthful relief corps. Hal has compiled a lifetime 2.74 ERA."

-The New York Yankees Official 1964 Yearbook

"Top dog in the Yankee relief department is burly right-hander Hal Reniff, who blossomed into one of the American League's premier rescue artists in 1963.
Called upon 48 times by Ralph Houk, Reniff was credited with four wins and charged with three defeats. His earned run average was a sparkling 2.89 for 89 innings of toil.
A native of Warren, Ohio, the 25-year-old blond entered the Bomber fold in June 1956 with Kearney. For Modesto in 1959, Hal was 21-7 with a 3.19 ERA. After splitting the 1960 season with Amarillo and Binghamton, he moved up to Richmond for '61. Halfway through the campaign, he was brought up by the Yanks, with whom, in 31 innings in 25 games, he was 2-0 with an ERA of 2.60.
A combination of circumstances prevented Hal from doing his best work in 1962. During the first half of the season he was in the Army. Then, when he returned to the Stadium, a sore arm plagued his efforts. After only two appearances, he was sent to Richmond to get his arm back in shape but could work only six frames for the Virginians.
In '63, however, Reniff got back in the pitching groove and aims to stay there in '64."

-1964 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook

Signed by Yankee Organization, June 23, 1956.
Led Yankee pitchers in games (48), 1963.
Led Yankee pitchers in games saved (18), 1963.

-1964 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


STEVE HAMILTON
"The early season trade in 1963 of veteran Jim Coates to Washington for left-hander Steve Hamilton was a 'ten-strike' for the champion Yankees. The personable southpaw was a most effective relief pitcher for the Yanks last year and was off to an equally fine start in 1964. Though only 27 years old, Steve has that distinguished look that comes with graying hair.
The biggest man on the Yankees at 6'7", Hamilton was a major league professional basketball player with the old Minneapolis Lakers during the 1958-1959 and 1959-1960 seasons. In the off seasons now, Steve is assistant basketball coach and physical education instructor at Morehead State College, Kentucky.
The tall, side-arming left-hander averaged a strikeout an inning for the Bombers last year, being especially effective against lefty-swinging hitters. In the early days of the '64 campaign, Steve has been equally effective against left and right-handed hitters.
Steve, who is married and the father of two girls, had his best major league season with the Yankees last year after earlier trials with Cleveland and Washington.
'It's different pitching for the Yankees,' Steve said shortly after donning the pinstripes. 'You approach the game differently ... from a more positive angle. I'm more relaxed and confident as a Yankee. It has changed my whole outlook.' "

-The New York Yankees Official 1964 Yearbook

"In the three appearances he made with Washington at the beginning of the 1963 campaign, lefty Steve Hamilton was belted for an earned run average of 13.50. Then, on April 21, he was swapped to the Yankees in exchange for right-hander Jim Coates. Came the transformation. Not only did the 6'7", 195-pound stringbean win five while losing only one in 34 relief appearances, but compiled a fine 2.60 ERA.
His overall totals for '63 thus read: five wins, two losses, with an earned run mark of 2.95.
Hamilton, who played basketball for Morehead State College before going on to the professional Minneapolis Lakers for the seasons for 1958-1959 and 1959-1960, is a 27-year-old native of Columbia, Kentucky.
Beginning his diamond career under the aegis of the Cleveland Indians in 1958, Hamilton joined the parent club in late 1961 after stops at Burlington, Reading, Mobile and Salt Lake City.
While performing for Jacksonville on option in 1962, Hamilton was dealt to Washington on May 3, along with southpaw Don Rudolph, in exchange for outfielder Willie Tasby. Though finishing with a 3-8 mark and 3.79 ERA, Hamilton showed the AL a thing or three by whiffing 83 batters in 107 innings.
Manager Yogi Berra is counting on Steve to take care of the bulk of southpaw relief work in '64."

-1964 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook

Acquired from Washington Senators in exchange for pitcher Jim Coates, April 21, 1963.
Averaged a strikeout per inning pitched, 1963.
Assistant basketball coach and phys-ed instructor, Morehead State College, Morehead, Kentucky, in off-season.

-1964 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


BUD DALEY
"Here's the man who could write the 'Comeback of the Year' story in baseball.
On April 20, 1963, Bud Daley was placed on the disabled list, and he remained there throughout the season. On April 26 he was operated on for removal of bone chips from his left elbow. Although the Yankee team physician Dr. Sidney S. Gaynor proclaimed the operation a success, Bud reported to the early camp in Hollywood, Florida this past spring a definite question mark. But as spring training progressed, so did the 30-year-old left-hander. By the end of the training season, Daley was among the Yanks' most effective hurlers and Manager Yogi Berra is hoping he will resume as a long relief and spot starting specialist.
In the two years at Kansas City before his acquisition by the Yankees in 1961, Buddy Leo Daley was a 16-game winner in consecutive seasons. In 1962 while posting a 7-5 record, mostly in long relief, Bud pitched 35.1 consecutive scoreless innings over 14 relief appearances between June 29 and August 11. In 105 innings that year, Bud walked only 21 while fanning 55.
The Orange, California southpaw has appeared in two All-Star Games and has never allowed an earned run in three World Series efforts. That kind of production would provide a big lift to the Yankee staff this year, and the entire club is pulling for a big Daley comeback."

-The New York Yankees Official 1964 Yearbook

"Attempting to make a strong comeback bid this season is left-hander Bud Daley, who hurled only one inning during the entire 1963 campaign. The 30-year-old southpaw's idleness was caused by an operation for the removal of bone chips in his elbow on April 26.
Daley worked out briefly during mid-season but had not progressed satisfactorily enough to be reinstated on the active list.
Bud reported with the first group of players at the Bombers' Hollywood, Florida minor league base this winter in order to get the much-needed work and conditioning necessary to make his return successful.
The 30-year-old southpaw came to the Yankees on June 14, 1961 from Kansas City in exchange for pitcher Art Ditmar and utility man Deron Johnson. Daley finished that season with 12-17 and a 4.29 ERA. In 1962, used mainly in relief in 43 contests, Bud was 7-5 with a 3.60 ERA.
Daley, who has appeared in two World Series and two All-Star Games, has been in Organized Baseball since 1951 when he debuted with Bakersfield, a club in the Cleveland chain. After performing with Cedar Rapids, Reading, Indianapolis and Sacramento, Daley joined the Indians in 1955.
Bud was traded by the Tribe on April 1, 1958, along with outfielders Gene Woodling and Dick Williams, to Baltimore for outfielder Larry Doby and southpaw Don Ferrarese. Before even using Daley, Baltimore passed him along to the A's on April 18 for pitcher Arnie Portocarrero.
With Kansas City, Daley was 16-13 in '59 and 16-16 in '60, ranking high among junior circuit hurlers in both those seasons."

-1964 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook

Acquired from Kansas City Athletics in exchange for pitcher Art Ditmar and infielder Deron Johnson, June 14, 1961.
Put on disabled list, April 20, 1963, for surgery on left elbow and did not return for rest of season.

-1964 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


ROLLIE SHELDON
"Quietly making a return visit to the Bomber staff, with whom he hopes to gain a permanent berth, is Roland Sheldon. The king-size right-hander from Woodstock, Connecticut spent the 1963 season with Richmond, but did not set any worlds on fire with his 5-9 mark and 4.47 earned run average.
It will be remembered that Rollie, signed by the Yanks in June 1960, was one of the rookie stars of the American League in 1961 as he compiled an 11-5 record and 3.59 ERA. After only one season in the minors, with Auburn of the New York-Penn loop, here was a genuine phenom, it was thought.
But Sheldon disappointed in '62, winning seven, dropping eight with a poor 5.49 ERA. He failed to impress during the '63 spring training period, and he was shunted to the International League farm club.
Sheldon, recipient of a $50,000 bonus from the Bombers upon joining the organization, and winner of the James P. Dawson Award as the outstanding rookie in spring training in '61, has everyone rooting for a return to the form which won him hurrahs and huzzahs."

-1964 Jay Publishing New York Yankees 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.

-1964 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


PEDRO GONZALEZ
"A good second baseman with a pretty potent bat, Pedro Gonzalez is expected to play an important utility role for the Yankees this year after a fine 1963 season at Richmond. Used this spring at first base, as well as in the outfield and at second, Pete's versatility and ability to hit should prove an asset to him ... and, to the Yankees."

-The New York Yankees Official 1964 Yearbook

"A highly-touted, very talented Pedro Gonzalez aims to make this campaign the first of many in a Yankee uniform. Carrying a 'can't-miss' label when originally signed to a Bomber pact in September 1957, Gonzalez averaged .307 for Richmond in 83 games and .192 for the Yanks in 14 contests last season.
During his first year in Organized Baseball, with St. Petersburg in 1958, Pedro batted .289. After hitting a cool .371 with Modesto in 1959, Gonzalez led the Eastern League in batting with a .327 mark at Binghamton. He also totaled 179 hits to lead the circuit.
During '61 and '62 with Richmond, Pedro did not hit up to his usual standard, with marks of .266 and .280.
At the Yankees' spring training camp in '63, Pedro was the rookie standout, thus being voted the James P. Dawson Award, given annually to the top neophyte.
Kept by the Bombers until cutdown time in May, Gonzalez proved one of the best performers seen in the International loop during recent years.
In his earlier years as a ballplayer, Pedro, a native of the Dominican Republic, had trouble with the language barrier. Gonzalez has overcome much of that, but does most of his talking with his bat and glove."

-1964 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook

Signed by Yankee organization, September 16, 1957.
Winner of James P. Dawson Award as outstanding Yankee rookie in spring training, 1963.

-1964 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


JAKE GIBBS
"When anyone mentions Jake Gibbs, the Yankee brass and brain trust are all smiles, for the 25-year-old catcher who was an All-America quarterback at Ole Miss is considered 'our type of player.'
Last season was Gibbs' first as a catcher. The $105,000 bonus boy was shifted from the infield to a spot behind the bat at the Bombers' Fort Lauderdale spring training base last year, before being sent to Richmond of the International loop for seasoning.
But Jake appeared in only 68 games, being victimized by two broken fingers as they kept getting in the way of foul tips. His batting mark was only .233, but those in the know feel he's going to make it.
Jake's first two seasons with Richmond indicate he does have a future as a hitter. He batted .270 in '61 and raised it to .284 in '62, not bad for a fellow just off a college campus.
Gibbs, who bats'em lefty, has only the best teachers, Berra and coach Jim Hegan, to learn the tricks of the trade from. He picks things up fast, so don't be too surprised if Jake breaks in sooner than most people expect."

-1964 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook

All-American quarterback at Ole Miss, 1960.
Signed by Yankee organization, May 25, 1961.

-1964 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


PETE MIKKELSEN
"There's a new arm in the Yankee bullpen this year and there are many who believe it will be there for a long time to come. It belongs to big, bespectacled Pete Mikkelsen. After six minor league seasons, Pete made the jump in his first varsity spring training, winning the coveted Longines watch as recipient of the James P. Dawson Award, which is presented to the outstanding rookie in the Yanks' spring camp. Pete, who boasts an effective sinker, is that new breed of relief pitcher in the Yankee organization. He was trained for bullpen work and made only one start in 96 appearances in 1962 and '63."

-The New York Yankees Official 1964 Yearbook

"Possessor of an impressive earned run average of 1.47 for the 49 contests he appeared in for Augusta last season is 23-year-old relief specialist Pete Mikkelsen. Right-handed all the way, Mikkelsen stands 6-2 and scales in the neighborhood of 210 pounds.
In addition to his 110 innings of Sally League duty, Mikkelsen also did yeoman work in the loop's post-season playoffs."

-1964 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook

Signed by Yankee organization, September 13, 1957.

-1964 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


PEDRO RAMOS
"The Cleveland spring drills were monopolized by Pete Ramos, the temperamental fastballer who finally is about to pay off on his tremendous hurling skills. He's approaching the age (29) when throwers turn into pitchers and he has learned that control can mean the difference between medium and large salary checks.
Seldom serious about assignments, he's now matured to the point where he believes he can be among the best. Last season's 3.11 ERA was his lowest in his nine-year career as a Senator, Twin and Indian. Pete's lifetime credentials are 97-132."

-Don Schiffer, 1964 Major League Handbook

"Touted for years as a potential 20-game winner, Pedro Ramos still has a chance to live up to his advance notices. He's only 29, though this is his ninth major league season. Last year he was 9-8 with the Indians with a 3.11 ERA. He's due to go over the 100 mark in victories this season since he begins it with a 97-132 career record.
He came to the majors with the Senators in 1955 and joined the Indians in a 1962 preseason deal with the Twins for first baseman Vic Power and pitcher Dick Stigman."

-Dave Anderson, 1964 Major League Baseball Handbook


HARRY BRIGHT
"Harry Bright signed his first baseball contract with the Yankee organization in 1946. But it wasn't until the Bombers purchased his contract from Cincinnati on April 21, 1963 that Bright actually became a Yankee. In a year of injuries, he proved an able fill-in and pinch-hitter, particularly in the first half of last season. He hopes to duplicate that performance during all of 1964. The 34-year-old first baseman, catcher, third baseman, outfielder, pinch-batter expects that his versatility will prove a big help to the Yanks."

-The New York Yankees Official 1964 Yearbook

"An extremely handy guy to have around is husky Harry Bright, who has appeared at every position on a ball club during his professional diamond career which dates back to 1946.
Last season was Bright's first as a Yankee. And, though his batting average was only .236, he came through with many important hits for the Bombers in their drive toward the American League flag. Among Harry's 37 safeties were seven doubles and seven round-trippers. He also collected 23 RBI.
Bright toiled hard and long in the minors before making his first major league appearance with Pittsburgh as a third baseman in the latter part of the 1958 campaign.
Harry had been drafted by Detroit in 1953, but never performed with the Bengals.
After spending the entire '59 season with Pittsburgh, Bright was sent to Salt Lake City of the PCL in '60, where he hit .313 and led the circuit with 119 RBI. Back with the Pirates for pinch-hitting purposes at the tail end of that season, Harry was swapped to Washington, along with right-hander Bennie Daniels and first baseman R.C. Stevens, in exchange for southpaw Bobby Shantz in December 1960.
After batting .240 for the Nats in '61, Harry turned into one of the junior loop's toughest hitters in '62, when he sent 17 homers out of the park on a .273 average.
Bright became Yankee property in April 1963 after an earlier deal which had sent him from Washington to the Cincinnati Reds for first baseman Rogelio Alvarez had been canceled."

-1964 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook

Originally signed by Yankees, 1946.
Has spent 15 of his 18 years in baseball in minor leagues, where he has played every position including pitching and catching. Also served as manager on occasions.
Purchased from Cincinnati Reds, April 21, 1963.

-1964 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


ELVIO JIMENEZ
"Not that the Yankees need help, but they could get it from Elvio Jimenez, brother of Kansas City's Manny. He's an outfielder and quite a solid and consistent hitter, going under .300 (and only by a point) just once in five minor league seasons.
He drives straightaway, and although a bad-ball hitter, is difficult to set down on strikes."

-Don Schiffer, 1964 Major League Baseball Handbook

"Probably the hottest prospect on the Yankee roster this season is 24-year-old Elvio Jimenez, who is figured on as a utility outfielder in this, his first try at making it in the big leagues.
The younger brother of Kansas City outfielder Manny Jimenez, Elvio has dipped under the .300 mark at bat only once during five years of minor league competition.
That occurred in 1961 when the right-handed hitter batted .299 at Binghamton. When Elvio broke into Organized Ball in 1959, he clouted .329 for St. Petersburg of the Florida State loop. With Modesto in '60, he belted a solid .368. After that .299 in the Eastern League, Elvio socked .310 for Amarillo of the Texas circuit in '62.
Last year, Jimenez started with Augusta of the Sally League, hitting .331 in 82 contests. The Yankees then promoted the gardener to Richmond, where in 43 games he socked International loop hurling for a .318 log.
Elvio is a straightaway hitter who likes to swing at bad balls a la Yogi Berra, who, incidentally, is very high on him. Elvio is not classed as a powerman but is very tough to fan. He played winter ball in his native Dominican Republic."

-1964 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook

Signed by Yankee organization, September 29, 1958.
Had second highest average in California League (.368) with Modesto, 1960.
Started 1963 season with Augusta and was leading Sally League in hitting (.331) when called up to Richmond in July.
Brother of Manny Jiminez, Kansas City outfielder.

-1964 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


ARCHIE MOORE
"The youngest of the Yankees entered the 1964 season with only a half year of professional experience. In military service over the past winter, he reported a month late to spring training. All of this may have worked to the disadvantage of 22-year-old Archie Moore.
But the youngster from Florham Park, New Jersey intends to make the most of his opportunity as a Yankee this season. A casual fan might ask why he isn't playing regularly in the minors. And the answer comes up - he's a first-year man, and only one can be optioned. (Shortstop Chet Trail is the designated optioned first-year man.) So Archie is the player that General Manager Ralph Houk and Manager Yogi Berra decided to keep according to the rules.
Although the clean-cut prospect reported to Ft. Lauderdale late this March direct from military service, he showed flashes of real ability in his few chances as an outfield and first base replacement.
'It's not going to be easy sitting on the bench,' Archie said early this season, 'but I intend to make the most of it. I think I can learn a lot about the pitchers my first time around the league. I can learn a lot about big league baseball and the Yankees, too. I really think I can help the club before this season is over,' he said modestly, but confidently.
As a star at Springfield College in Springfield, Mass., Archie gained college All-American rating in both 1962 and 1963 as an outfielder. In high school, he had played first base. A natural left-hander, Archie considers himself more a hitter than a slugger, but said he always hit his share of home runs despite the fact that 'I always hit the ball where it's pitched.'
In a half season at Augusta, Ga. in the AA Southern League last summer, Archie hit a respectable .278, coming right off the Springfield campus. In the league playoffs, he hit two homers to help his club win the league championship against Lynchburg.
The literate young bachelor offers the Yankees versatility as a pinch-hitter and pinch-runner, as well as an outfield and first base replacement."

-The New York Yankees Official 1964 Yearbook

All-American in baseball at Springfield College, Springfield, Mass., 1962 and 1963.
Signed by Yankee organization, June 18, 1963.

-1964 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


TOM METCALF
"Designated as one of the members of the bullpen crew is right-hander Tom Metcalf, a Yankee since last July 30, when his contract was purchased from Richmond of the International loop.
Metcalf, 23, is rangy at 6-3 and 175 pounds. His Organized Baseball debut came with St. Petersburg of the Florida State League in 1961. Then came a stint with Augusta in '62. Tom was a starter then but was switched to relief duty by pilot Ernie White. Metcalf's been a bullpenner ever since.
Following a 14-6 season in '62, Tom was 9-5 for the Virginians in '63, making 46 appearances before getting the call from the Stadium brass.
Getting his name in eight box scores, Metcalf hurled a total of 13 innings, gaining credit for one victory. His ERA was 2.77."

-1964 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook

Signed by Yankee organization, March 27, 1961.
Purchased from Richmond by Yankees, July 30, 1963.
Attends Stevens Point (Wisconsin) State Teachers College in off-season.

-1964 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


BOB MEYER
"Bob Meyer is a new name on the Yankee pitching staff ... but it is suggested here that fans remember it. The hard-throwing left-hander has been considered a good prospect since he was signed off the University of Toledo campus in 1960. The intelligent, hard-working southpaw has not had an impressive minor league record, but no one ever doubted his native ability, if he could get it over the plate. An off-season student at Toledo, Bob last fall underwent knee surgery and is confident that his control will improve with work. Yogi Berra and Whitey Ford are strong Meyer boosters."

-The New York Yankees Official 1964 Yearbook

"Back for the third time is speedy southpaw Bob Meyer, who has yet to come up with a winning season during his four years in pro ball.
The 6-2, 185-pound hurler, who hails from Toledo, Ohio, began with Modesto in 1960, where he was 8-9 with a 5.75 ERA. Meyer fanned 156 in 144 innings, though issuing 129 bases on balls. He followed practically the same pattern in 1961 with Binghamton, where he was 9-11 with an ERA of 4.50. In 132 frames, Big Bob whiffed 147 and passed 128.
The campaign of 1962 saw Meyer start out with Amarillo. But, after dropping four of five decisions, the lefty was sent to Augusta, where he was 5-7. Last season, toiling for Richmond, Meyer was 4-5 with a 4.55 ERA."

-1964 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook

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

-1964 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


CHET TRAIL
"It may well be that in Chet Trail, the Yankees have their shortstop of the future. Given a good-sized bonus to sign with the club last season, Chet played short for Ft. Lauderdale, where he batted .260 and swiped 23 bases in 115 contests.
The 19-year-old youngster, righty all the way, is 6-1, weighs 170 and is still growing.
General Manager Ralph Houk is high on the kid, saying, 'He has good power and makes excellent plays in the field, though, like any youngster, kicks around a few.'
A good bet to stick around all season, Trail will be taught all the tricks of the trade. If waivers should be asked on him, they could not be revoked and Chet would be up for grabs for $8,000 due to his bonus status."

-1964 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook

Signed by Yankee organization, July 1, 1962.
Attends Bowling Green State University in off-season.

-1964 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


HOWARD KITT
"Big left-hander Howie Kitt hopes to make it with the Yankees this season, after giving signs of finally himself during the last half of the 1963 Sally League season.
Off to a slow start with Augusta, Kitt finished with an 8-8 record, capturing six of his last nine decisions and racking up a 3.29 ERA. The 22-year-old Brooklyn-born southpaw, who lives in Oceanside, New York, fanned 145 and walked 92 in 147 frames.
Kitt has only one option remaining, being sent out twice already. Obviously, Manager Berra will give Kitt a good gander before deciding his fate.
Howie received a $70,000 bonus to sign with the Yanks in November 1960, but has been plagued by wildness since.
Before his stint with Augusta last season, Kitt pitched variously with Binghamton, Modesto, Amarillo and Greensboro. With Modesto in '61 Kitt, though only 9-9, fanned 209 batters in 149 innings."

-1964 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook

Signed by Yankee organization, November 1, 1960.
Attends Hoftsra College in off-season.

-1964 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


GIL DOWNS
"Listed as a possible dark-horse candidate for the Bomber hurling staff is 22-year-old Gil Downs, an $8,000 first year draft choice.
Plucked off the roster of the White Sox' Indianapolis farm, the native of Cohoes, New York performed creditably for Sarasota in 1963.
Downs, a right-hander, was 13-3, compiled a 1.38 ERA and struck out 164 in 183 innings.
Downs, who appears to have all the necessary tools, is the size managers like'em - 6-2, 193 pounds. Yankee scouts are highly enthused over him and recommended his being obtained via the draft route. It appears the only thing he lacks is experience."

-1964 Jay Publishing New York Yankees Yearbook

Hurled no-hitter against Fort Lauderdale, June 20, 1963.
Received George M. Trautman Award with Sarasota of Florida State League, 1963.
Selected by Yankees from Indianapolis (White Sox) in first-year player draft, November 1963.

-1964 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


JOHN CHAMBERS
Signed by Yankee organization, July 7, 1959.

-1964 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


JACK CULLEN
Signed by Yankee organization, September 5, 1958.
Attends Farleigh Dickinson University in off-season.

-1964 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


TOM DUKES
Signed by Yankee organization, June 1, 1960.
Attends University of Tennessee in off-season.

-1964 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.
Seventh leading hitter (.323) in Pioneer League, 1963.
Led Pioneer League first basemen in fielding (.988), 1963.
Attends Calvin Coolidge College, Boston, Mass. in off-season.
Son of Jim Hegan, former major league catcher and presently bullpen coach for the Yankees.

-1964 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


WILLIAM MADDEN
Signed by Yankee organization, May 29, 1961.

-1964 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


WILLIAM MARCY
Selected by Yankees from Salt Lake City (Chicago Cubs) in first-year player draft, November 1963.

-1964 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


JIMMY MARRUJO
Selected by Yankees from Oklahoma City (Houston Astros) in first-year player draft, November 1963.

-1964 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


ROGER REPOZ
Signed by Yankee organization, June 12, 1960.
Second in Sally League in home runs (20), 1963.
Attends Washington State in off-season.

-1964 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


GEORGE SHOEMAKER
Selected by Yankees from Tacoma (San Francisco Giants) in first-year player draft, November 1963.
Attends Eastern Mississippi Junior College in off-season.

-1964 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide


JOE SOARES and DON SEGER (Trainers)
"The physical care of the Yankees is a vital phase of the club operation. In recent seasons, with multiple injuries, the medical staff has become increasingly well known to the baseball public. Both Soares and Seger have been affiliated with the Yankees for several years, moving up to the parent club from Yankee minor league clubs a few seasons back."

-The New York Yankees Official 1964 Yearbook


BRUCE HENRY (Traveling Secretary)
"The efficient traveling secretary of the Yankees is Bruce Henry. A veteran of the major and minor league baseball scene, Bruce is responsible for the travel arrangements of the Yankees - hotels, transportation, feeding, spring training, baggage and all the other details so essential to the efficient operation of the Yankees on the road."

-The New York Yankees Official 1964 Yearbook


PETE SHEEHY and PETE PREVITE (Clubhouse Men)
"While never seen by the fans at Yankee Stadium, they have worked at the Home of Champions for more hours each day and for more years than any Yankee on the field. In charge of the spotless and comfortable Yankee clubhouse and all the clothes and equipment are 'Big Pete' Sheehy and 'Little Pete' Previte. Sheehy dates back to the Babe Ruth era, having worked for the Yanks continuously since 1927, and his assistant, Previte, has been at the Stadium since 1942."

-The New York Yankees Official 1964 Yearbook

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

1964 Profile: Johnny Blanchard

"Things are not the same for John Blanchard. A veteran of five full seasons with the Yankees, the husky Minnesotan has always found a Yogi Berra or an Elston Howard keeping from steady work from behind the plate. But now Berra has retired and John is the number two catcher.
In past years when his explosive bat was needed in the lineup, Manager Ralph Houk used him mostly in the outfield, particularly in 1963, the year of the multiple injuries. In fact, the only game Blanchard caught last year was the exhibition with the Mets.
'You can be sure John is going to see plenty of action behind the plate,' Berra said this past spring and Blanchard did catch in a dozen Yankee exhibitions. Unless another real emergency develops, Blanchard will be a receiver in 1964.
In the past four years, the 31-year-old southpaw slugger has been a top Yankee reserve. He's played left and right fields and first base in addition to catching and pinch-hitting. Last season John hit two of the Yanks' four grand slam home runs and now has three for his career. His 56 homers, going into this campaign, in 868 times at bat gives Johnny an average of one homer every 15.5 times at bat. In Fenway Park, Boston, considered a right-handed hitters' paradise, he has hit .290 with five homers and 16 RBIs in the past three seasons.
In 1961, his biggest year to date, John tied a major league record by hitting homers on four consecutive times at bat (two of these as a pinch-hitter)."

-The New York Yankees Official 1964 Yearbook

"Although he's been a member of the Yankees for the past five seasons, John Blanchard has yet to play in as many as 100 games in any of them. Feared by enemy pitchers as one of the toughest clutch batters in the loop, Blanchard has proved his worth with his long-ball touch.
Johnny has three classifications with the Yanks. He's a catcher, outfielder and pinch-hitter. The 31-year-old left-hand-hitting slugger was inked by the Bombers in July 1951. He was strictly a catcher then, getting his experience with Kansas City, Binghamton, Amsterdam, Joplin, Denver and Birmingham before joining the big club to stay in 1959.
Blanchard batted only .169 during his rookie campaign, rising to .242 in '60. Then came 1961, his best season to date. In 93 contests, John batted .305, belting 21 homers with 54 RBI. He tied a major league record by clouting four round-trippers in four consecutive times at bat, two as a pinch-hitter, that season. During the '61 Series, Blanchard cracked two homers, thus tying the mark for a five-game set.
John fell to .232 with 13 homers and 39 RBI in '62. The '63 season saw Blanchard hit only .225, but he upped his home run total to 16 and his RBI to 45.
If his upswing continues, you can be sure Yogi Berra will find a place for John, who would like nothing better than to play every day."

-1964 Jay Publishing New York Yankees 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.
Hit two home runs in one game in three of the 59 games he started during the season (appeared in a total of 76  games), 1963.

-1964 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide

Monday, February 17, 2014

1964 Profile: Phil Linz

"Perhaps the finest utility player in the majors, Phil Linz can fill in anywhere in the Yankee lineup - either infield or outfield, as he proved last season in his second year with the AL champions. He batted a solid .269 in 72 games but his ability is best illustrated by the constant requests for him in trade talk with other teams.
One of the best-humored players in baseball, he always has a ready quip for any situation.He's a big reason why the Yankee bench is so highly rated in the AL."

-Dave Anderson, 1964 Major League Baseball Handbook

"A refreshingly frank ball player with a sense of humor and confidence in his own ability, Phil Linz is the perfect infield utility man for a championship club like the Yankees. He led two minor leagues in hitting on his way to the Bombers and topped the Yanks in pinch-hitting in his freshman 1962 season. His average slipped from .287 to .269 last season, but his valued versatility was proved again as Phil played second, third and short in addition to all the outfield positions last year.
This spring, Phil played at each of several positions where Manager Yogi Berra thinks he can help the club this season. The super-sub, as he is frequently termed by the press, calls this life of filling in anywhere in the infield or outfield 'the great adventure.' "

-The New York Yankees Official 1964 Yearbook

"Another of the Yankees' seemingly endless number of jack-of-all-trades is Phil Linz, the bespectacled speedster from Baltimore.
Linz, originally a shortstop, has been seen at practically every position but short, it seems, since coming up to the big show in 1962.
During his five-season minor league career, Linz paced two leagues in batting. In 1960, Phil hit .321 for Greensboro of the Carolina circuit. The following campaign saw him belt Texas League pitching for a .349 mark at Amarillo.
In Phil's rookie year in the majors, he batted .287 in 71 contests. Last season, he hit .269 in 72 games.
The 25-year-old utilityman connected for a home run for his first major league hit, May 23, 1962, against the Kansas City A's."

-1964 Jay Publishing New York Yankees 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.

-1964 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide

Sunday, February 16, 2014

1964 Profile: Hector Lopez

"One of the most valuable members of the Yankee bench, handyman Hector Lopez is another reason why the team is always rated a pennant contender because of its player depth. Used as a spot outfielder last season, he batted a solid .250 with 14 homers and 52 RBI. He's a dangerous pinch-hitter.
Obtained by the Yankees from the Athletics back in 1959, he's always been a steady performer for them. Hooted for his fielding lapses in past years, he has developed into a sure-handed outfielder in the tricky Stadium winds."

-Dave Anderson, 1964 Major League Baseball Handbook

"Figures alone don't tell the Hector Lopez story of 1963. In fact, a cold analysis would indicate the popular Panamanian outfielder had slumped from a 1962 average of .275 to .249. But the negative statistics stop there.
The bench was the big factor in last year's pennant drive and Hec was a mighty important figure on that bench. He played 130 ball games as a replacement for Mantle and Maris, and for Tresh when Tom moved to center. While his batting average was off, the 31-year-old right-handed hitter clouted 14 homers and 17 other extra-base hits. Ten times last summer, Lopez drove in the deciding run, eight of these coming in the last two innings.
An infielder by early training, Lopez was used exclusively as an outfielder in recent seasons by Ralph Houk and now Yogi Berra has said that 'Lopey' would remain an outfielder. Vastly improved as a defensive gardener in recent seasons, Lopez has proved to be a valuable swing man in the Yankees' able outfield corps. And he's a fine pinch-swinger, particularly effective in late innings.
Hector is in his sixth season as a Yankee, following acquisition from the Athletics in 1959. Probably the high point of his career came in the '61 World Series when he tied a major league record with seven RBIs in a five-game set."

-The New York Yankees Official 1964 Yearbook

"Slated for a more important role in the Yankee scheme of things is Panamanian-born Hector Lopez. Heretofore figured as strictly as pretty-good-hit, not-so-hot field, Lopez will be used more on defense this season. And that's straight from the lips of pilot Yogi Berra, who declared at the luncheon celebrating Lopez' contract signing, 'Hector will be my defensive outfielder in the last two or three innings if we need him.'
In days gone by, whenever Lopez was in a game, he would usually be the one replaced in the last few frames. When it was pointed out to Berra that Lopez committed nine errors last season, with only two other gardeners, Bob Allison and Leon Wagner, making more, Yogi said, 'I know that, but he also made 11 assists. He's a good outfielder and I'm not afraid to use him there.'
Due to the injuries sustained by Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris last season, Hector managed to participate in 130 games. Though he averaged only .250, Lopez socked 14 homers and drove in 52 runs. Besides that, Hec accounted for the deciding tally in 10 wins, eight coming in the final two innings.
Lopez, who resides in a new home in West Hempstead, N.Y. with his wife and little son, has a lifetime major league average of .273 with 115 homers for nine seasons. His World Series mark is a neat .308. Hector's seven RBI against Cincinnati in the 1961 fall classic tied a record for a five-game Series.
The 31-year-old righthanded hitter came to the Yankees from the Kansas City A's, along with pitcher Ralph Terry, in exchange for infielder Jerry Lumpe and hurlers Tom Sturdivant and Johnny Kucks on May 26, 1959."

-1964 Jay Publishing New York Yankees 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.

-1964 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide